Garlic Broccoli And Pasta
A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring garlic, broccoli, and a savory chicken broth, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Saute garlic in butter until lightly browned.
- While garlic is cooking, heat water for pasta.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet with garlic.
- Add salt and pepper to the broth.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then add broccoli flowerets.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cover the skillet.
- Cook until broccoli reaches desired tenderness.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet with broccoli and broth.
- Toss everything together and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice when sautéing the garlic. If you don’t have twist pasta, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work well. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Fresh broccoli can be replaced with frozen broccoli; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. It's a versatile dish that can complement Italian recipes or stand alone as a light meal. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Broccoli And Pasta contains roughly 147 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1864mg per serving (81% 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, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen broccoli typically cooks faster than fresh. Add it to the skillet when the broth is boiling and cook until heated through and tender.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
While twist pasta is recommended for its ability to hold sauce, you can use any short pasta such as penne or fusilli. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, and ensure it's al dente before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
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).