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Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta – A Light, Comforting Weeknight Favorite

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A light, flavorful pasta dish made with tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Easy, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 oz pasta (orecchiette, penne, or spaghetti)

  • 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets

  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest, optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water. Add broccoli in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.

  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.

  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.

  4. Add drained pasta and broccoli. Toss gently.

  5. Add reserved pasta water and mash broccoli slightly to create a sauce.

  6. Season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  7. Stir in parmesan if using. Serve warm with optional garnish.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version. Add beans or chicken for more protein. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://mymommeals.com/easy-healthy-broccoli-pasta-a-light-comforting-weeknight-favorite/