Description
A light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe that combines tender broccoli with al dente pasta, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Broccoli:
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
Pasta:
- 12 ounces shell pasta
Other:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cooked broccoli, and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until soft enough to mash.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in the same broccoli water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Mix drained pasta with broccoli mash in the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese and combine. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning of the dish with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the broccoli mash.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
