Description
Smashed Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, healthy pasta recipe made with broccoli, garlic, lemon, and parmesan. It’s an easy vegetarian dinner ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. This green-packed dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 head broccoli
12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut broccoli into chunks, including peeled stems.
2. Add broccoli to the pot and cook for 4 minutes. Then add pasta to the same pot and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Use a spoon or potato masher to smash the broccoli into the pasta.
5. Pour in some reserved pasta water and stir until broccoli forms a sauce that coats the noodles.
6. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parmesan. Stir until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Notes
Smashed Broccoli Pasta is best when served fresh but also makes great leftovers.
Use the entire broccoli head, stems included, for more flavor and less waste.
Reserve your pasta water before draining — it’s key to the sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg