Why Make This Recipe
Quick Broccoli Pasta is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal during a busy weeknight. It’s simple to make, delicious, and packed with healthy ingredients. The combination of broccoli and cheese makes it not only nutritious but also comforting. Plus, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz dried short pasta (e.g., small shells)
- 2 heads broccoli (chopped into small florets)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (fresh for maximum flavor)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter if preferred)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spiciness)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 3/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and stir again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
How to Serve Quick Broccoli Pasta
Serve the Quick Broccoli Pasta warm, straight from the pot. You can garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
How to Store Quick Broccoli Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta
- For more flavor, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Swap out the cheese for your favorites like feta or goat cheese for a different taste.
- Adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts can give a nice crunch to the dish.
Variation
You can easily turn this pasta into a vegetarian delight by leaving out any meats. For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pasta.
2. What type of pasta can I use?
You can use any short pasta you like. Options include penne, fusilli, or even macaroni.
3. How can I add more protein to this dish?
You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for added protein. Just stir them in when mixing everything together.
Quick Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Broccoli
- 12 oz dried short pasta (e.g., small shells)
- 2 heads broccoli (chopped into small florets)
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (fresh for maximum flavor)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spiciness)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 3/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)
Cooking Fats
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
Cooking the Broccoli
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar and red pepper flakes.
- Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
Final Touches
- Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and stir again to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
