Introduction
Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal? This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, and when combined with pasta, it makes a filling and nutritious meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this broccoli pasta is simple, fast, and full of flavor. Even beginners in the kitchen can make it easily. In just 20–25 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy, healthy, and satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients – Broccoli Pasta
To make this recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home:
- 200 grams of pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite type)
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of low-fat cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Process – Broccoli Pasta
Here’s how to make this dish step by step. Follow these simple instructions, and your pasta will be ready in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt and your pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (soft but still firm).
- Drain the pasta and save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
- While the pasta is cooking, bring another pot of water to boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
- Add the cooked broccoli and stir for 2–3 minutes.
- Mash some broccoli lightly with a spoon if you want a creamier texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with broccoli.
- Mix in the low-fat cream or Greek yogurt. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and combines with the sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the broccoli pasta to a plate or bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 200 grams | 350 | 12g | 70g | 1g | 4g |
| Broccoli | 2 cups | 60 | 5g | 12g | 0.5g | 5g |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 | 0g | 0g | 27g | 0g |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | 15 | 0.6g | 3g | 0g | 0.2g |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | 110 | 10g | 1g | 7g | 0g |
| Low-fat cream / Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup | 60 | 3g | 5g | 3g | 0g |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | 4 | 0g | 1g | 0g | 0g |
| Total per serving | 439 | 15g | 46g | 19.5g | 4.6g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta is even healthier and adds more fiber. It works perfectly in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based cream instead of dairy.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can make this pasta even more colorful and nutritious.
Q4: Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or plant-based milk.
Q5: How can I make it creamier without cream?
You can use mashed avocado, cashew cream, or blended silken tofu for a creamy texture without extra fat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal. It’s light but filling, creamy but healthy, and so easy to make. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Next time you want a meal that is both healthy and satisfying, try this broccoli pasta. It’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Don’t forget to get creative—add your favorite spices or vegetables to make it your own!
