Broccoli With Pasta And Garlic
A vibrant and savory pasta dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that appeals to vegetable lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam broccoli florets until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add crushed garlic and minced onion, sauté until fragrant.
- Combine cooked pasta and broccoli in the skillet.
- Season with garlic salt and pepper, toss to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work as substitutes. To save time, use pre-cooked pasta or frozen broccoli. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color. This dish pairs beautifully with Linguine With Fresh Tomato Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It makes a great main course or a side dish for grilled meats. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or Italian Dunkers for added flavor. This is also a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but add a little water to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Pasta And Garlic contains roughly 312 calories, with 12g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (221% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 9g 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. Just steam it according to the package instructions before adding it to the pasta. It’s a convenient option and still provides great flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly, as it features pasta, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While any pasta can work, short shapes like penne or fusilli tend to hold the sauce and ingredients better. However, you can also use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer a longer noodle.
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).