Description
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and nourishing dish packed with fiber, flavor, and freshness. Ready in under 20 minutes, it combines broccoli, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and optional Parmesan for a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for one.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 oz (140g) pasta of choice (whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular)
- 1 large head of broccoli (about 2 cups florets), chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional or dairy-free alternative)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Cooked chicken breast or canned chickpeas
- Nutritional yeast for vegan version
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets during the last 3–4 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the pan. Toss with garlic oil, lemon zest, juice, and reserved pasta water.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum brightness.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli—tender-crisp is ideal.
- Reserve pasta water helps emulsify the sauce for a glossy finish.
- This pasta stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Healthy Broccoli Pasta, Pasta for One, Easy Vegetarian Pasta, Quick Broccoli Pasta, Whole Foods Pasta Dinner