recipe for Whole Grain Penne with Broccoli:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces whole grain penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Whole Grain Penne:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole grain penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli. You can do this by placing the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water or by microwaving them with a little water in a microwave-safe bowl. Steam until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- 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) to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Garlic Mixture:
- Add the cooked and drained whole grain penne to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Toss in the steamed broccoli florets.
- Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. If needed, you can add a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the pasta and broccoli mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Optionally, top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the whole grain penne with broccoli immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of whole grains and vegetables. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or grilled chicken for added protein.
