4.6 from 84 votes
Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
This recipe combines pasta and fresh broccoli florets cooked together to create a simple, harmonious dish. The garlic sautéed in olive oil adds a mellow pungency, while grated Parmesan cheese enriches the dish with a savory finish. Tossing the pasta and broccoli with reserved pasta water helps create a light sauce that clings to each bite, making it practical for a quick meal using common kitchen staples.
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
289 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289
% 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.