Broccoli Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
A simple and flavorful broccoli pasta recipe featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This quick stovetop dish combines tender broccoli and a light, cheesy sauce made from reserved pasta water and olive oil, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- Kosher salt (as needed)
- 10 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 16 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a couple of teaspoons of kosher salt to season the water. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook them until tender-crisp.
- Drain: Before draining the pasta and broccoli, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta and broccoli well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine ingredients: Add the drained broccoli and pasta to the skillet with the garlic. Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the pasta. If using, add the red pepper flakes, and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Toss to combine: Toss everything together thoroughly, gradually adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to creating a light and creamy sauce without using cream.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Use fresh garlic sliced thinly for the best flavor; avoid burning it when sautéing.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to taste or use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese as a substitute.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- To make it vegan, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Keywords: Broccoli pasta, garlic pasta, easy vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick dinner recipe
