Description
Ready in under 30 minutes, this Smashed Broccoli Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh green goodness. It’s a fast, family-friendly dinner that doubles as a healthy lunch or meal prep option. With vibrant broccoli, lemon, garlic, and parmesan tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a cozy yet wholesome dish that fits into any meal plan. Great for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, healthy snack options, or easy recipes packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander.
3. Transfer broccoli to a food processor with garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth but textured. Add reserved pasta water gradually until creamy.
4. In a large skillet, combine cooked pasta with the smashed broccoli sauce over medium heat. Stir to coat evenly, adding more water if needed.
5. Sprinkle parmesan and red pepper flakes on top. Serve warm with extra lemon zest or arugula if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor.
Add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
If sauce thickens upon reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: smashed broccoli pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta, vegetarian dinner