Broccoli Pasta with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Parmesan Recipe
This delightful Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender broccoli with a flavorful garlic and red pepper infused mash, tossed with perfectly cooked penne and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, vegetarian-friendly pasta dish that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 3 minced garlic cloves
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Once cooked, transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water to use later.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, followed by the cooked broccoli and reserved broccoli water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes soft enough to mash easily with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot with the broccoli water, add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until well combined. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it appears too thick.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, which can be adjusted to your preference.
- This dish can be made gluten free by substituting the penne with gluten-free pasta.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of pasta water gradually while mixing.
Keywords: Broccoli Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Garlic Broccoli, Penne pasta recipe, Easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish
