Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that your whole family will love? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta. It’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This easy pasta recipe is loaded with fresh broccoli, garlicky goodness, and just the right amount of Parmesan cheese to make it creamy without being heavy. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Let’s dive in and see why this dish is about to become your new go-to for quick family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in 30 minutes!
- Packed with fresh broccoli for a healthy dose of veggies.
- Light yet creamy, thanks to Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
- Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or meal prep.
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta:
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help create the creamy sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli under cold water, pat it dry, and cut it into small florets. You want the pieces to be bite-sized so they cook evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the broccoli to the skillet. Toss it with the garlic and olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli starts to soften but still retains some crunch.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the skillet with the broccoli. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and broccoli. Toss again to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and coat the pasta. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the creamy garlic pasta goodness!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make your Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta even better:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should still have a bit of crunch to keep the dish fresh and vibrant.
- Add some protein if you want to make it more substantial. Grilled chicken or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts would be great additions.
- Customize the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper. If you like it hotter, add more!
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent clumping, so it won’t melt as nicely.
How to Serve
This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- As a main dish: Pair it with a simple green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
- As a side dish: It’s a great accompaniment to grilled meats or fish.
- For meal prep: Portion it out in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, be sure to check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta or Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for more inspiration.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or making ahead. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: While the pasta can be frozen, the broccoli may become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the pasta without the broccoli, then add fresh broccoli when reheating.
And there you have it—a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a delicious dinner idea. This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta checks all the boxes: it’s a quick family dinner, it’s loaded with veggies, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli pieces to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli mixture, and reserved pasta water in the skillet. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.