Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta – A Quick, Creamy Weeknight Favorite
A creamy, healthy broccoli pasta made with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Naturally vegetarian and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
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1 large head of broccoli (chopped into florets)
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Boil broccoli in salted water until tender (6–7 mins). Remove and set aside.
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In the same water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water, then drain.
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Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden.
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Mash or blend the cooked broccoli with a splash of pasta water.
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Add broccoli sauce to garlic pan. Stir in pasta and Parmesan.
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Toss with lemon juice, more pasta water as needed, and adjust seasoning.
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Serve warm with extra cheese or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for more protein.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.