Pasta with broccoli is a delicious and simple dish that combines the flavors of pasta and the nutritional benefits of broccoli. Here’s a basic recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- While the pasta is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli until it is bright green and tender but still has a slight crunch. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- You can steam the broccoli over the boiling pasta water or in a separate pot.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the pasta to coat it with the garlic-infused oil.
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together.
- If the pasta seems a bit dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a light sauce.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Optionally, top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
This pasta with broccoli is versatile, and you can customize it by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
