Homemade Broccoli Pasta

This Homemade Broccoli pasta recipe is an easy and tasty weeknight recipe for best dinner that the whole family will love.
On the table in 25 minutes,Make this easy pasta mixedbroccoli with recipe for a fun and festive pasta party this Fall or Summer or any season of the year!
This meat or chicken-free dinner comes together so easily, and be sure to try my Easy Pasta aglio e olio and Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad too!

You know what’s weird!! I used to think broccoli was the enemy and I mean the kind of enemy you hide under the mashed potatoes because you really don’t want to eat it but something changed later on and I’m not even sure if it was age or just pure hunger so here we are and now I’m willingly tossing it into pasta which is honestly wild.

It all started on a saturday when I was tired and cranky and completely over the whole “what’s for dinner” drama so I opened the fridge and saw this medium broccoli and I thought maybe let’s just see what happens and spoiler alert it turned into something amazing because it was cheesy and garlicky and slightly crispy around the edges which made it taste amazing.

Have you ever made something you didn’t expect to love and then you made it again the very next night because it was that good… Well this is that kind of dish.

And just to be totally honest my kid called it “green noodle yum” which in toddler language basically means it earned a Michelin star
So there’s no pressure or anything but you might want to make extra.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 2 cups pasta penne, fusilli, or your favorite kind
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella if you like it gooey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a little kick
• Juice of ½ lemon optional for freshness
• 1 tablespoon butter optional for extra richness

How to Make Broccoli pasta

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions usually for 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

Second, boil the broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, add the broccoli to the pot during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time. This way, it will soften without needing another pot.

Step 3

Now, let’s make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant don’t let it burn!. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet.

Step 4

Then, combine the ingredients: stir everything together. If it seems dry, add a little of the remaining pasta water. Stir in the butter if using, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Finish by sprinkling the cheese on top and stirring until melted ,Finally, you can serve it warm: Place it in bowls, add more cheese if desired, and that’s it your broccoli pasta is ready to eat!

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make these yummy Broccoli pasta, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools

• Large pot
• Colander to drain pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater if you’re using block cheese

Tips for the Best Broccoli pasta

Don’t overcook the pasta or broccoli you want the pasta al dente and the broccoli just tender.

Add protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.

Make it creamy by adding a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

What to Eat with Broccoli pastas ??

I love eating this dish on its own; it feels like a perfect meal. Sometimes I have it with crusty bread and call it lunch. My son insists he’d rather have it with some grilled chicken, so who am I to argue? I also like to have a glass of fruit juice or any cold drink with him, and when we’re done eating, we usually have some dessert.

FAQ’S

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