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- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil To make Broccoli Garlic Pasta, you need a few simple items. First, choose your favorite pasta, like spaghetti. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch. Garlic brings great flavor, and olive oil helps everything blend well. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish For seasoning, use salt and pepper to taste. Red pepper flakes give a kick if you want heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess, and parsley makes it look fresh and colorful. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. About three minutes before the pasta is done, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. This step saves you time and ensures both the pasta and broccoli cook perfectly. When ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together. While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like some heat, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this stage. Cook the garlic for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Watch closely to avoid burning it; burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Next, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together well. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. This step helps coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the garlic oil. Now, it's time to season! Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to make sure every bite is flavorful. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the pasta. For serving, plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and more cheese if you like. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch too! To make great pasta, start with salted water. Salt helps flavor the pasta. Bring your water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente. This means the pasta is firm when you bite it. To get the perfect al dente texture, check the package instructions. This will guide you on cooking time. You can season your pasta water with salt. A good rule is about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This simple step makes a big difference in taste. Fresh garlic is a game-changer in this dish. It adds a strong, rich flavor. Pre-minced garlic can lack the same punch. Use fresh garlic when you can. Mince it just before cooking for the best taste. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can lift the dish and add warmth. You can always adjust the amount based on your taste. Start small, then add more if you want extra heat. Broccoli Garlic Pasta pairs well with a light salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also serve it with white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely. For presentation, serve the pasta in a large bowl. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color. This makes your dish look inviting and fresh. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot ingredients. Garlic Precaution: When sautéing garlic, keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once it starts to turn golden, it's time to add the other ingredients to maintain its sweet flavor. Adjusting Consistency: If the pasta seems dry after combining, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This water contains starch, which helps create a silkier sauce. Fresh Garnish: Always garnish with fresh herbs like parsley just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your broccoli garlic pasta. Adding chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins can make this dish heartier. If you choose chicken, grill or sauté it first for a nice flavor. For shrimp, just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Plant-based options like tofu or chickpeas work well, too. Cook them separately, then mix them in before serving. This way, you get a tasty and filling meal. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, there are great swaps. Instead of regular cheese, use a vegan cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast is another option; it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the butter, substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter. This keeps the dish creamy and rich while staying plant-friendly. Your pasta will still taste amazing! Seasonal vegetables can add color and taste. Try mixing in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. These veggies cook quickly and bring a fresh taste. You can also use asparagus in spring or zucchini in summer. This not only makes your dish more colorful but also adds nutrients. Feel free to get creative and use what's fresh and available! To keep your broccoli garlic pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The pasta can last for about three to five days in the refrigerator. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are easy methods to reheat them. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If you use the microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. This will help keep the pasta from drying out. Heat it on low until warm. If you want to store your broccoli garlic pasta for longer, freezing is a good option. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime. To make Broccoli Garlic Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options, such as rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta. These alternatives cook well and taste great. Be sure to check the package for cooking times. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors without gluten. Yes, you can use other vegetables! Try using spinach, zucchini, or asparagus. These vegetables cook quickly and add nice flavors. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose. For example, spinach wilts fast, while zucchini may need a bit longer. Broccoli Garlic Pasta pairs well with many side dishes. A light salad with mixed greens is a great choice. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a classic touch. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely. Keep the sides simple to let the pasta shine. Broccoli Garlic Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Stay safe and enjoy your delicious meal! Broccoli garlic pasta is simple yet packed with flavor. We covered key ingredients, from pasta and broccoli to garlic and seasoning. The cooking steps help you mix everything for a delightful meal. I shared tips for perfect pasta and ways to make it unique with proteins or veggies. Remember, this dish is easy to love and customize. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun adding your personal touch!

Garlicky Green Broccoli Pasta

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring broccoli and garlic, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative)
  • 1 to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
  • Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden (be careful not to burn it).
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry.
  • Season: Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
  • Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side for freshness.
Keyword broccoli, garlic, pasta, vegetarian