Why Make This Recipe

Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and nutritious meal! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines pasta and fresh broccoli with a light garlic olive oil sauce. It’s delicious, simple, and packed with flavor, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

How to Make Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta of your choice
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta pot.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, and return them to the pot.
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour the garlic oil over the pasta and broccoli, tossing well to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

You can serve this pasta dish warm. It goes well on its own or paired with a simple side salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top when serving. It makes a great lunch the next day too!

How to Store Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.

Tips to Make Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

Feel free to use any pasta you like, such as whole grain, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles.
For more protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas.
If you enjoy a stronger flavor, try adding lemon juice or zest after cooking for a refreshing twist.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also use different herbs, like basil or oregano, for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them to the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking, and they will cook perfectly.

2. Is this dish vegan?
Yes, it is vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast as a topping for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and broccoli ahead of time and toss them with the garlic oil just before serving to keep everything fresh.