Pasta con Broccoli: A Versatile Italian Delight
Pasta con Broccoli
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, colander, and wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta like penne, spaghetti, or fusilli
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
- Zest of 1 lemon optional
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This way, the broccoli will cook just enough to become tender yet retain its bright green color. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine:
- Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the garlic oil. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Garnish:
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top, if desired.
- Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or a vegan alternative for a creamy sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
Pasta con Broccoli is a classic Italian dish that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. From my own personal experience, this dish has always been a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Let me show you how I make this flavorful and hearty pasta dish, along with variations, tips, and nutritional information.
#broccoli #pastaconbroccoli
What to Expect
Pasta con Broccoli is a quick, delicious, and satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor while remaining light and healthy. Expect a delightful combination of garlic, olive oil, and the freshness of broccoli, all complemented by the comforting pasta.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s a blank canvas. You can adjust ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs, making it perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try? Enjoy the flavors of Italy right in your kitchen.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving (depends on pasta and oil used)
- Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15 (prices may vary based on location)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, colander, and wooden spoon
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #pastaconbroccoli here
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (like penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #pastaconbroccoli here
Method
- Boil the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This way, the broccoli will cook just enough to become tender yet retain its bright green color. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine:
- Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the garlic oil. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Garnish:
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top, if desired.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or a vegan alternative for a creamy sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #pastaconbroccoli here
Tips and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Oil-Free: Sauté garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil for an oil-free version.
- Cooking Time: Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright and slightly crisp.
Nutritional Information
This Pasta con Broccoli is not only flavorful but also nutritious. It offers a good balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, fiber from the broccoli, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Pasta Too Sticky: If your pasta clumps together, add more reserved pasta water and toss well.
- Too Dry: If it seems dry, gradually add more pasta water or olive oil until desired consistency is achieved.
- Garlic Burned: If the garlic burns, it can become bitter. Keep an eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/
