Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
Description
The Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe features pasta cooked alongside tender broccoli florets to preserve freshness and texture. Garlic is lightly sautéed in olive oil to develop its flavor without bitterness. The mixture is tossed back into the pot with a bit of the starchy pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, which binds the ingredients together and enhances the overall creaminess without heavy sauce. The technique avoids overcooking and keeps the broccoli's mild bitterness balanced by the cheese and olive oil.
The dish is served warm, making it suitable as a straightforward vegetarian main or side. Additional cheese can be offered on the side to adjust richness at the table. Its simple ingredient list offers flexibility in pasta choices, including gluten-free options, and it comes together conveniently for an everyday meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta use brown rice or quinoa pasta for gluten-free, uncooked
- 6 1/2 cups broccoli no stems, fresh florets
- 5 cloves garlic (smashed and chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, or Romano
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- kosher salt fresh cracked
- black pepper fresh cracked
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- When water boils, add pasta and broccoli at the same time and cook according to pasta instructions for al dente.
- When pasta is almost done cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and broccoli.
- Return the pot to the stove and set heat to high; add 1 tbsp olive oil, when hot, add garlic. Cook until golden, reduce flame to low and add pasta back to the pot.
- Mix well, add remaining olive oil, grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste mixing well and smashing any large pieces of broccoli to break up.
- Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and mix well adding more if needed.
- Serve in pasta bowls with additional grated cheese on the side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/2 cups | |
| Calories | 289kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 11.5g | 23% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Sodium | 104mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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