Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is your new weeknight go-to, offering a nutritious and incredibly satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. This recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can combine to create a truly delicious and guilt-free dining experience.
Key Ingredients for Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta:
- 1 pound whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, umami flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if not strictly vegan), fresh parsley
How to Make Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta:
This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a marvel of culinary simplicity, delivering a creamy, flavorful experience without the fuss. It’s incredibly satisfying, boasting a vibrant green hue and a delightful texture that will have you coming back for more. The entire process, from prep to plate, takes approximately 25 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, you can steam or quickly boil the broccoli florets. To steam, place the broccoli in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can add the broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot (or a large skillet if you prefer), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the nutritional yeast and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk until the nutritional yeast has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be creamy and coat the pasta beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta:
You’ll adore this Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta for its vibrant simplicity and incredibly satisfying flavor profile. The star of the show is undoubtedly the luscious, creamy sauce, made with wholesome nutritional yeast and a hint of lemon, which coats every bite of tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fantastic alternative to richer, creamier pasta dishes, offering all the comfort without the heavy feeling, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and budget-friendly.
Making this delightful dish at home saves you money compared to ordering takeout and allows you to control the quality and freshness of every ingredient. The delightful tang of lemon and the savory depth of nutritional yeast create a flavor combination that’s both familiar and exciting, reminiscent of a classic mac and cheese but with a healthy, vibrant twist. Don’t wait to transform your dinner routine; whip up this Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Leftovers of your Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, ensure the pasta has cooled completely before refrigerating.
To reheat, you have a few options:
- Stovetop (Recommended for best texture): Gently heat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to rehydrate the sauce.
If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Properly stored, it can remain frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a testament to the fact that nutritious meals can be both exceptionally easy and incredibly delicious. We encourage you to give it a try and experience the fresh, satisfying flavors for yourself. Enjoy this simple, wholesome dish!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.1 pound whole wheat pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, you can steam or quickly boil the broccoli florets. To steam, place the broccoli in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can add the broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain the broccoli and set aside.1 large head broccoli
- In the same pot (or a large skillet if you prefer), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the nutritional yeast and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk until the nutritional yeast has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be creamy and coat the pasta beautifully.1 pound whole wheat pasta, 1 large head broccoli
- Stir in the lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings.1/2 lemon juice, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley