Easy Broccoli Pasta
Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant easy broccoli pasta. It’s ready in very little time and just a handful of ingredients!
In the run-up to the release of my second cookbook, I had very little free time. As much as I love cooking, I simply couldn’t spend hours in the kitchen. On the other hand, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on takeaway dishes.
This easy broccoli pasta was a great solution! It’s simple, quick, but nutritious enough to sustain the body. Even if I did make it several times on repeat…
Have you tried any recipes from PlantYou Scrappy Cookbook yet? Reviews mean the world to me, and of course, I always enjoy seeing your creations on social media!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- As far as vegetables go, broccoli is a powerhouse! It’s full of nutrients and it pairs well with so many different dishes. I could honestly eat it for every meal.
- This easy broccoli pasta is both time-efficient and very simple to make. Even a complete novice can make this dish!
- Though technically this recipe lists nine ingredients, you already have at least half of them. The rest are easily accessible, and therefore quite cheap too!
- If you like to meal prep, this pasta dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before you eat it.
Beauty of Broccoli
The reason I used broccoli for this recipe is because it is basically a superfood! Here are some of its best properties:
- Nutrient Dense. Broccoli is full of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and fiber. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients, making it an excellent addition to any diet.
- Antioxidants. It contains various antioxidants like sulforaphane, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and may have protective effects against certain types of cancer.
- Heart Health. The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in broccoli contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Digestive Health. Broccoli is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system. Fiber also helps to maintain regularity and prevent constipation.
- Bone Health. Broccoli contains calcium, vitamin K, and other nutrients that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin K is particularly important for bone health as it helps to increase calcium absorption and reduce calcium excretion.
- Versatility. Broccoli is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, including steamed, roasted, sautéed, or even raw in salads or as a crunchy snack.
How to Make This Recipe
As I already promised, this easy broccoli pasta is super simple! Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the broccoli florets, and let them cook for a few minutes until soft. Carefully extract the broccoli from the pot, reserving the rest of the water to cook the pasta.
Depending on the type of pasta you’re using, the cooking time may vary. Just check the package for instructions and be mindful not to overcook.
Meanwhile, heat the oil over low heat and add broccoli and garlic. Saute until the broccoli is soft enough to mash up, creating a texture similar to pesto.
When the pasta is ready, drain it and reserve a cup and a half of pasta water.
Add the drained pasta to your broccoli “pesto”, along with nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Keep adding the pasta water 1/4 cup at a time and stir to incorporate everything together.
Hack It!
- This recipe works with almost any shape of pasta, from spaghetti and bow ties to gnocchi and ravioli. You can also use gluten-free pasta if your dietary needs require.
- As you mash up the broccoli, you can add a little bit of water to thin the sauce.
- This is a great opportunity to get scrappy and throw in leftover greens, hers, or frozen veggies.
- This recipe works just as well with cauliflower. It’s from the same family as broccoli, and is equally full of nutrients.
- When you drain the water, you can keep it for another recipe. For instance, add it to a stew, soup, or bread instead of regular water.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Green Pasta
- Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles
- Marry Me Tomato Orzo
- Zucchini Lemon Pasta
- Zucchini Pesto Pasta
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The Recipe: Easy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli, broken into small florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil, or vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1½ cups pasta water, reserved from cooking
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli, and cook for five minutes until soft. Using a spatula, transfer the broccoli to a pan over low heat, reserving the water in the pot.
- Cook the pasta in the remaining broccoli water according to package directions, reserving at least 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water when you drain.
- Now, in the pan with the broccoli, add the olive oil and garlic. Saute until you can mash up the broccoli, almost into a pesto-like sauce. You can add some water a tablespoon at a time to thin the broccoli floret sauce, as needed.
- At this time, add the drained pasta, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Stir, adding the reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time as needed.