Angel Hair With Broccoli
A light, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, and scallions tossed with angel hair pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into flowerets; peel and chop stem into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook broccoli in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, until crispy but tender.
- Drain broccoli and place in ice water to cool; drain again.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add scallions and crushed garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet with the scallions and garlic.
- Add cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the scallions and garlic. If you're out of broccoli, asparagus or green beans can be great substitutes. For a richer taste, you can also mix in a bit of cream or use a blend of olive oil and butter. This dish is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Angel Hair with Broccoli as a light main dish or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. A side of garlic bread complements the meal beautifully. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Sanda'S Cheesy Manicotti.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pasta gummy. This will help retain the dish's fresh flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair With Broccoli contains roughly 1129 calories, with 8g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is recommended for its delicate texture, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the alternative pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for added flavor and a cheesy taste without dairy.
How can I add more protein to this recipe?
To add protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. These additions will complement the flavors of the dish while providing a hearty boost of protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).