Description
A quick and healthy pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, olive oil, fresh broccoli, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any preferred shape)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Add broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3–4 minutes of pasta cooking time.
- Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Combine: Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Toss pasta and broccoli into the skillet with garlic oil. Mix well.
- Finish: Add reserved pasta water as needed to help coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in Parmesan cheese, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. For vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired