pasta with broccoli
This Pasta with Broccoli recipe is a quick and nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pasta and vibrant broccoli is enhanced with a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 4 Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- In the last 4 minutes of cooking pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine, and if the mixture seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve immediately in bowls and top with more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables such as asparagus or spinach for variation.
For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or shrimp.
This pasta dish can be served warm, or it can be chilled for a refreshing pasta salad.