Description
Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect weeknight meal. This pasta dish comes together quickly, is simple to prepare, and is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups finely chopped broccoli (about one small head) or 12-ounce bag of frozen broccoli
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Drizzle of olive oil, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Finely chop the broccoli into small pieces.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté for a few minutes, then add two ladles of starchy pasta water.
- Continue cooking the broccoli, breaking it down slightly with a spoon.
- When the pasta is al dente, transfer it directly to the pan with the broccoli.
- Sprinkle in half of the Parmesan cheese and add another ladle of pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Stir in the remaining cheese and add more pasta water, if needed to create a light sauce.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve immediately.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Easily substitute fresh broccoli with frozen (12-ounce bag). Be sure to thaw and drain excess water (Personally, I prefer using frozen).
- Use your favorite pasta shape.
- Be sure to salt the water for the pasta.
- Start cooking the pasta first, as you will need the starchy pasta water to cook down the broccoli.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Italian