Go Back
Light broccoli pasta recipe in white bowl with fresh green broccoli florets, penne pasta, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and basil garnish on marble countertop

delicious light broccoli pasta

Discover delicious light broccoli pasta recipes! Quick, healthy dinner ideas with step-by-step instructions, nutrition tips & tasty variations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 pound penne pasta
  • - 1 large head fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
  • - 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • - Salt to taste
  • - Black pepper to taste
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • - 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • - 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Method
 

Prepare the water and ingredients (5 minutes)
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
  2. Cut fresh broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets
  3. Mince garlic cloves and measure remaining ingredients
Cook the pasta (8-10 minutes)
  1. Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente
  2. Drain pasta in colander but do not rinse
Prepare the broccoli (4-5 minutes)
  1. Heat olive oil in large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat
  2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
  3. Add broccoli florets and cook 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp
Combine and finish (3-4 minutes)
  1. Add drained pasta to skillet with broccoli
  2. Toss with wooden spoons, adding pasta water gradually to create light sauce
  3. Remove from heat and add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh basil
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste
Serve immediately
  1. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired
  2. Serve hot with extra red pepper flakes on the side