Description
Delightful “Quick Broccoli Pasta” delivers a speedy Mediterranean-inspired meal bursting with green goodness and simple flavors. Rich parmesan and tender broccoli combine perfectly, giving you a satisfying dinner ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 340 g / 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Vegetables:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 red onion
Pantry Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the water heats, chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and finely mince the garlic and red onion.
- Submerge the pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until tender with a slight bite.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot, allowing them to blanch and become vibrant green.
- Before draining, carefully extract 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water, which will help create a silky sauce later.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and red onion until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, then transfer them directly into the skillet with the aromatic garlic and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the pasta, tossing to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Drizzle lemon juice into the skillet, then gradually add the reserved pasta water, creating a light, glossy coating.
- Remove from heat and generously dust with freshly grated parmesan cheese, giving a final toss to ensure every piece is perfectly seasoned.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the harmonious blend of tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and zesty seasonings.
Notes
- Optimize pasta texture by stirring occasionally during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Reserve pasta water strategically as a secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
- Achieve vibrant broccoli color and crisp-tender texture by blanching directly in pasta water during final cooking minutes.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spice enthusiasts.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta alternatives.
- Elevate protein content by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans for a more substantial meal.
- Enhance nutritional profile by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the final sauté.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg