Simple Broccoli Pasta For Busy Days
A quick and satisfying dish that perfectly balances health and flavor, ideal for hectic weeknights.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta of choice Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well.
Broccoli
- 2 cups Fresh broccoli florets Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil For sautéing.
Garlic
- 2 cloves Minced garlic Adds aromatic flavor.
Lemon Zest
- 1 unit Lemon zest Grated from one lemon.
Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper To taste.
Parmesan Cheese
- 0.25 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese For serving.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, rinse 2 cups of broccoli florets under cold water and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped broccoli to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
- Add lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas. You can also add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture.