Pasta And Broccoli And Olive Oil

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Italian

A simple, flavorful pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and tender broccoli, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. rotelle or your favorite pasta
  • 10 to 12 small cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain.
  2. Dice the garlic cloves.
  3. Saute the garlic in olive oil for 5 to 8 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and oil.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and grated cheese to taste.
  6. Save some of the pasta water, and if the mixture is dry, add water one tablespoon at a time to loosen.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or substituting garlic with shallots for a milder flavor. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of rotelle. If you have leftover vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, toss them in during the garlic sauté for added nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Cacciatore (Very Good).

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. This dish is great on its own but can also be paired with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Spaghetti With White Clam Sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out, and warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pasta And Broccoli And Olive Oil contains roughly 1008 calories, with 21g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1845mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

1008 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.9g 42% DV
Total Fat 56.5g 72% DV
Carbs 104.3g 38% DV
Fiber 6.3g 22% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1844.8mg 80% DV
Potassium 257.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 68mg 5% DV
Iron 7.7mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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! You can substitute rotelle with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this pasta dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can enhance its flavor with additional vegetables or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. Additionally, ensure that the pasta you use is egg-free, as some pasta varieties contain eggs.

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).

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