Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this broccoli pasta comes together, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients like whole grain pasta, fresh broccoli, and a little Parmesan cheese, but the result is so tasty. The broccoli adds a beautiful texture, while the garlic and red pepper give it a savory, slightly spicy kick. I can even skip the heavy cream and still enjoy a creamy, satisfying pasta dish. Plus, the best part is the easy cleanup since it all comes together in just one pot and one pan!

Ingredients

1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 minced garlic cloves

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper, to taste

12 ounces shell pasta

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the broccoli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Once the broccoli is cooked, transfer it to a bowl, and be sure to reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water for later use.

Prepare the broccoli mash:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the cooked broccoli and the reserved broccoli water. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes soft enough to mash easily with a spoon.

Cook the pasta:

In the same pot you used for the broccoli, cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, saving some of the cooking water for the sauce.

Combine pasta with broccoli mash:

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Season and serve:

Taste the pasta and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-25 minutes

Total Time: 25-40 minutes

Variations

Swap the broccoli: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower, broccolini, or even Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until tender-crisp.

Use different pasta: While I love using shell pasta for this dish, you can use any medium-sized pasta like fusilli, rotini, or bow ties. For a healthier option, try whole wheat or chickpea pasta.

Try other cheeses: If you prefer a different cheese, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well as substitutes for Parmesan. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast is a great alternative.

Storage/Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything gets a chance to meld together. When reheating, you can warm it up in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the broccoli and pasta up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply combine them in a skillet with the garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a quick reheat.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe. The texture might be a little softer, but it will still taste great!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even Italian-style turkey meatballs would complement this dish beautifully. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or tofu would also work well.

How can I make this pasta spicier?

If you like a little more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Just be sure to taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

How can I adjust the flavor without using cheese?

If you’re looking to skip the cheese, you can add more garlic, a splash of lemon juice, or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil will also help add richness to the dish.

Conclusion

This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is everything I love in a meal: simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. The combination of fresh broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. Whether I’m craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a lighter pasta option, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!

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