Description
This Quick Broccoli Pasta is a fast, flavorful, and cheesy dish featuring tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a zesty, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 350g (12 oz) dried short pasta (small shells recommended)
- 2 large broccoli heads, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (or more)
Pasta Sauce
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or more)
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp+ red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Serving
- Additional parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green, about 3–5 minutes.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, parmesan, sugar, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Stir to combine into a sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta and broccoli in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow to melt slightly before serving.
- Serve with extra parmesan as garnish.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or shells.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling / Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg