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A bowl of easy healthy broccoli pasta with vibrant green florets.

Classic Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

This classic recipe combines tender pasta and vibrant broccoli with a savory garlic and red pepper flake sauce. It's a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or non-stick pan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 200 g Short Pasta (e.g., orecchiette, penne, fusilli)
  • 300 g Fresh Broccoli Florets
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic minced or thinly sliced
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water (plus extra if needed)

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, adding broccoli florets for the last 5 minutes.
  • Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli thoroughly.
  • While pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic mixture.
  • Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to create a light sauce; add more water if needed.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper, stir in half the Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve immediately garnished with remaining cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can toast some pine nuts and add them with the Parmesan cheese. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. This dish is also great with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.