Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Introducing the Super Green Broccoli Pasta, an Italian-inspired delight that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful plate of pasta that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe features tender broccoli, aromatic garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the broccoli. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to help the cheese melt and coat the pasta and broccoli evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta works, opt for whole grain or legume-based varieties for added nutrition and a unique flavor profile.
- Perfectly Seasoned Water: Don’t skimp on salt when boiling your pasta. The water should taste like the ocean to ensure your pasta is flavorful.
- Timing is Key: To keep your broccoli vibrant and crisp, add it to the skillet just as the pasta is nearing its cooking time. This ensures everything finishes cooking together perfectly.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helps the cheese cling to the pasta.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. Serve it warm and garnish with extra cheese for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
