Description
This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender broccoli florets mashed into a flavorful garlic and red pepper infused sauce, tossed with shell pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that highlights simple ingredients and bold flavors.
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
- ½ 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 they are tender. Remove the broccoli from the pot, placing it into a bowl, and reserve ½ cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet 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 broccoli 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, creating a flavorful mash.
- Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot with the remaining broccoli water, add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet containing the broccoli mash. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved broccoli cooking water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute shell pasta with any small pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli, if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt quality.
- Reserve some broccoli cooking water to help create a silky and cohesive sauce instead of using heavy cream or butter.
- For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or replace with a nutritional yeast alternative.
