Broccoli Pasta – Quick, Creamy & Perfect for Weeknights
A quick and healthy vegetarian pasta made with tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and lemon. A 20-minute meal that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular)
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4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup parmesan or 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Juice and zest of ½ lemon (optional)
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½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 5 minutes.
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Add broccoli and cook both for another 5–6 minutes.
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Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
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Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
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Toss pasta and broccoli with garlic oil and pasta water.
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Season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and lemon.
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Stir in cheese or nutritional yeast if using. Serve warm.
Notes
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Add beans or tofu for more protein.
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Use blended broccoli for a creamy sauce.
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Make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based version.