Broccoli Garlic Pasta
A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, and a hint of wine, topped with Romano cheese—perfect for a satisfying single-serving meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wok or nonstick pan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in white wine and chicken or vegetable stock; add broccoli spears. Cover and cook until broccoli turns bright green.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan; cook until heated through and broccoli is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle Romano cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, ensure your stock is plant-based. This dish can also be enhanced with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Broccoli Garlic Pasta alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Romano for a protein boost. For a heartier option, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This dish also makes a great side for Italian recipes or as a light main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to gently warm the pasta and broccoli, adding a splash of stock or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a quick option, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Garlic Pasta contains roughly 307 calories, with 11g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the pan. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli will cook faster than fresh.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Any pasta shape you prefer works well, but shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold onto the sauce better. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken or vegetable stock with a plant-based option and omit the Romano cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without the dairy.
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).