One Pot Broccoli Penne
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
421 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
One Pot Broccoli Penne
Description
One Pot Broccoli Penne is a straightforward pasta dish featuring whole wheat penne and broccoli florets cooked together for simplicity and cohesiveness. The broccoli is added near the end of the pasta's cooking to retain its bright color and tender-crisp texture. The sauce is gently emulsified by tossing the hot pasta and broccoli with olive oil, minced fresh garlic, onion powder, and a touch of lemon zest and juice for brightness. Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish, melting lightly into the warm pasta to create a cohesive coating without heaviness.
This dish can be served immediately as a light main course or as a side to grilled or roasted meats. Its straightforward ingredients and preparation make it easy to customize with additional herbs or a protein, though it holds together well on its own.
The notes recommend using frozen broccoli added just before the pasta finishes to avoid overcooking, and suggest substituting garlic powder if you prefer a smoother garlic flavor without visible bits. Salting the cooking water and adjusting seasoning after cooking is important for balance.
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 lb broccoli about 5-6 cups, florets
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic see notes, fresh, minced
- lemon juice from half
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to salt water
- black pepper fresh ground
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for topping, grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot with salted water to a boil.
- Add penne to pot and boil for 5 minutes. Add broccoli and boil for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper to the pot and mix well. Add olive oil and mix. Top with Parmesan cheese and mix. Serve immediately and top with more Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli can be used; add it to the cooking water in the last minute of pasta cooking to prevent overcooking.
- If you prefer garlic flavor without noticeable minced pieces, substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the fresh garlic.
- Be sure to salt the pasta water well for proper seasoning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 421 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 421kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 347mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 249mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 543IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 69mg | 77% |
| Calcium | 128mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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