Spaghetti With Broccoli(Or Peas)
A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender broccoli or peas, garlic, and cheese, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal with fresh and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash broccoli or peas.
- Cook broccoli in salted water until firm; save the cooking water. If using peas, no precooking is necessary.
- Saute minced garlic, salt, and pepper in olive oil until browned.
- Add cooked broccoli or peas to the garlic mixture.
- Add the saved cooking water (or additional water if using peas) to just cover the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil and cook until just boiling or peas are cooked.
- Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and save about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the broccoli or peas mixture.
- If the mixture lacks liquid, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together with grated cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick meal, consider using frozen peas instead of fresh broccoli, as they require no pre-cooking. If you want more flavor, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic mixture. For a vegan option, omit cheese and use a dairy-free alternative. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Parmesan, for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed with Carm'S Italian Dressing or a simple garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pasta and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warm. Stir well to restore the moisture and prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Broccoli(Or Peas) contains roughly 13 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% 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 whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great substitute that adds more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook.
What can I do if my mixture is too dry?
If the mixture seems too dry after tossing with the spaghetti, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help create a more cohesive dish without losing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This spaghetti with broccoli or peas is perfect for meal prep. Just store the pasta separate from the sauce to keep everything fresh. Combine them when ready to eat for the best texture and taste.
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).