Broccoli-Pasta Toss
A quick and flavorful broccoli pasta toss featuring tender vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and toasted sesame seeds—perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook broccoli and pasta in a large amount of boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes or just until tender, stirring once or twice to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Drain.
- Add oil to the pasta-vegetable mixture and toss.
- Add Parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seed, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a heartier meal, substitute the fettuccine with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. You can also swap the broccoli for asparagus or spinach, both of which work well in this recipe. Toasted pine nuts can be used in place of sesame seeds for a different crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Broccoli-Pasta Toss as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. For an extra touch, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Pasta Toss contains roughly 789 calories, with 25g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the pasta. This will ensure that the final dish isn't watery. Cook the frozen broccoli with the pasta for the last 3-4 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this Broccoli-Pasta Toss vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great option to add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure you use an oil that’s suitable for vegan diets, like olive or avocado oil.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Each option complements the flavors well and makes the dish more filling. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh would also work nicely, adding both protein and texture.
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).