Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta – A 30-Minute Creamy, Veggie-Packed Meal
A quick and healthy pasta dish with tender broccoli, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan in a light, creamy sauce. A perfect weeknight vegetarian dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼–½ cup reserved pasta water
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Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, extra cheese for topping
Instructions
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Boil pasta in salted water. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
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Sauté garlic in olive oil for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Blend half the broccoli with Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and ¼ cup pasta water until smooth.
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Toss pasta and remaining broccoli with sauce in the pan. Add more pasta water to loosen if needed.
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Season to taste and serve with extra cheese or herbs.
Notes
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Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta as needed.
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Vegan option: replace cheese with nutritional yeast.
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Store leftovers for 4 days and reheat with a splash of water.