Description
A light and healthy pasta dish featuring a flavorful broccoli mash combined with al dente pasta and Parmesan cheese. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces shell pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cooked broccoli, and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the broccoli is soft enough to mash.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot with broccoli water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer drained pasta to the skillet with broccoli mash. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Broccoli Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta Dish