Description
Garlic Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, combined with shell pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces shell pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the garlic oil. If needed, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta and create a slightly saucy texture.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the garlic oil mixture.
- You can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just thaw it first.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper depending on your spice preference.
- Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
