Pasta Con Broccoli
A classic vegetarian Italian-American comfort dish where tender broccoli florets and al dente pasta are tossed in a simple, fragrant sauce of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Prep Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- While the water heats, wash the broccoli and chop it into small, bite-sized florets. You can also peel and chop the tender parts of the stem.
- Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese if using a block.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli (10-12 minutes)
- Add the pasta to the boiling salted water and stir.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- About 4-5 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.
- Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.
Reserve Water and Drain (1 minute)
- Before draining, use a mug or heatproof measuring cup to carefully scoop out and reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta water. This is essential for the sauce.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics (2 minutes)
- Place the now-empty pot back on the stove over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and turns a very light golden color. Do not let it brown or it will become bitter.
Create the Sauce (2 minutes)
- Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the garlic oil.
- Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and the 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir vigorously over low heat. The starchy water will help the oil and cheese emulsify, creating a light, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season and Serve (1 minute)
- Turn off the heat. Taste the pasta and season with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Saving the starchy pasta water is the most important step. It's the magic ingredient that turns oil and cheese into a silky, non-greasy sauce.
- 2Don't overcook the broccoli. It should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but still have a slight bite and bright green color.
- 3Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Since there are few ingredients, the flavor of the oil really shines through.
- 4Be very careful not to burn the garlic. If it turns dark brown, it will become bitter and ruin the dish. Light golden is perfect.
- 5Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- 6Don't discard the broccoli stems! Peel the tough outer layer, chop the tender core, and cook it along with the florets.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Toss in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp at the end for a heartier meal.
Umami BoostUmami Boost
For a deeper, savory flavor, add 2-3 anchovy fillets to the oil with the garlic. They will dissolve completely and you won't taste fishiness.
Add GreensAdd Greens
Wilt in a few handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last minute of cooking the sauce.
Citrus FinishCitrus Finish
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest stirred in at the end will brighten all the flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, providing significant amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a primary source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Supports Bone Health
Both Parmesan cheese and broccoli are good sources of calcium, an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the pasta are broken down slowly by the body, providing a steady release of energy to fuel your day.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Pasta Con Broccoli contains approximately 710-740 calories, depending on the exact type of pasta and cheese used. It's a substantial main course.
