Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta (Printable version)

Tender broccoli and garlic pasta in light olive oil sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a wholesome meal.

# What you need:

01 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or fusilli

02 - 1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb), cut into small florets

03 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

04 - 1 small lemon, zest and juice

05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

07 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving; optional)

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

02 - About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cook until both pasta and broccoli are tender.

03 - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.

04 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

05 - Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

06 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

07 - Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

01 -

The broccoli steams right in the pasta water, which means fewer dishes and more flavor infused into every floret
That splash of lemon juice brightens everything up so you never feel heavy after eating
From start to finish, you're looking at 30 minutes max, making it perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore

02 -

That pasta water is the secret ingredient you cannot skip, it transforms olive oil into a glossy sauce that actually clings to every piece
Slicing the garlic instead of mincing prevents it from burning and turning bitter in the hot oil
The broccoli needs to be cut into similarly sized florets or you will end up with some pieces raw while others turn to mush

03 -

If your broccoli seems particularly large, give it a two minute head start before adding the pasta
Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly, so let your pasta sit for two minutes after draining before tossing in the skillet