Description
This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, nutritious dinner option featuring whole wheat or gluten-free pasta paired with tender broccoli florets, aromatic garlic, and a bright lemon twist. Tossed in olive oil and finished with Parmesan or nutritional yeast and fresh parsley, this recipe is both flavorful and wholesome, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Cook Broccoli: In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook them until tender-crisp.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Drain Pasta and Broccoli: Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Oil: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Add Lemon and Season: Stir in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta smoothly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan dish, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Reserve pasta water helps create a light sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit if desired.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free-friendly.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish but can be omitted or substituted with basil.
