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Broccoli Pasta Variant Without Sauce

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A bright, weeknight-friendly broccoli pasta that marries tender­-crisp broccoli florets with al dente pasta, garlicky-lemon olive-oil sauce, and a shower of Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (orecchiette or penne)
  • 1 lb (450 g) broccoli, cut into bite-size florets and peeled stems sliced
  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp red-pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
  • ½ cup (45 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
  • ¼ cup (5 g) fresh basil or parsley, roughly chopped
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1 minute less than package directions for al dente.
  2. During the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets and stems to the same pot; continue boiling until pasta is al dente and broccoli is bright green and just tender.
  3. Meanwhile, warm 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes; sauté 60–90 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Use a heat-proof mug to reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
  5. Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet along with lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes, adding more pasta water if needed for a light glossy sauce.
  6. Off heat, stir in Parmesan and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, passing extra Parmesan at the table.

Notes

  • Swap Parmesan with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
  • Add a can of white beans or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
  • The reserved pasta water is key; starches emulsify the sauce.
  • Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli pasta, lemon garlic pasta, vegetarian dinner, 30-minute meal, Italian-inspired

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/broccoli-pasta-variant-without-sauce/