Looking for a healthy, satisfying, and speedy dinner? This healthy broccoli pasta recipe is a perfect choice. Packed with tender, bright green broccoli and tossed with pasta in a lightly cheesy, lemony sauce, this dish is as flavorful as it is nutritious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, when you need dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste or health.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between vegetables and carbohydrates. Broccoli, a nutrient powerhouse rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, is the star of the dish, while pasta provides comforting energy. The magic happens when you cook the broccoli alongside the pasta, allowing it to soften and release its natural flavor, and then stir it together with a quick, tangy sauce made with olive oil, lemon, and a touch of cheese.

What makes this healthy broccoli pasta recipe special is its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients—pasta, broccoli, olive oil, cheese, and a few seasoning extras—you can have a wholesome dinner ready in just about 15 minutes. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, just fast, delicious results.

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Ingredients

• 350 g / 12 oz dried pasta (short shapes like shells, macaroni, or penne work best)
• 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyère, or a mix of melting cheeses)
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs, optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Extra Parmesan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Just before the pasta finishes, roughly two minutes before the end of cooking, add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook perfectly while keeping a slight crunch and vibrant color.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, mixed herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk well until fully incorporated.
3. Reserve Pasta Water:
   Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a light, silky sauce without using extra fat. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and return them to the pot.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Pour half a cup of the reserved pasta water into the sauce jar and shake well to emulsify. Pour the sauce over the drained pasta and broccoli in the pot. Add the shredded cheese and toss everything together vigorously. The heat from the pasta melts the cheese, while the broccoli releases natural juices, creating a lightly creamy, flavorful sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your liking.
5. Serve:
   Transfer the healthy broccoli pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh but can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two and reheated gently.

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Tips for Perfect Broccoli Pasta

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should remain bright green with a slight bite to maintain texture and nutrients.
• Cheese choice matters: Opt for flavorful melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gruyère. Mozzarella works, but you may need to season more.
• Lemon is optional but recommended: It brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Adjust spice: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder pasta.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to bulk up your dinner.

This healthy broccoli pasta recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious lunch, or even as a side dish for roasted meats or grilled fish. Its simplicity, fast cooking time, and wholesome ingredients make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more vegetables into their diet while still enjoying comfort-food flavors.

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