Description
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta recipe is a simple and nutritious meal combining tender broccoli, shell pasta, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a creamy broccoli mash sauce that coats the pasta beautifully for a flavorful, veggie-packed dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 12 ounces shell pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender and bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer broccoli to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli and reserved cooking water, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft enough to mash with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the same pot of broccoli water back to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once done.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
