Description
A light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe featuring tender broccoli florets, garlic, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked pasta is combined with a flavorful broccoli mash to create a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small florets
- 12 ounces shell pasta
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Water
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved broccoli cooking water
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli and the reserved cooking water. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens enough to mash easily with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot with the broccoli water, add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of the reserved broccoli water to loosen the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some broccoli cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred heat level.
- Cook pasta al dente for optimal texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.
