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Italian Broccoli Pasta

Italian Broccoli Pasta

Italian Broccoli Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the goodness of fresh ingredients to your table in just 25 minutes. This quick recipe features tender broccoli sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this vegetarian-friendly dish can be enjoyed solo or paired with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s not just nutritious but also visually appealing.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or orecchiette)
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the broccoli and sauté for about 5 minutes until bright green.
  5. Add vegetable broth; cover and steam for another 5-7 minutes.
  6. Toss in the drained pasta with the broccoli mixture; combine well.
  7. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted; adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  8. Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley before serving.
  • Author: Dahlia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for variation.