| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 18g | 5g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 5g | 20g | 1.5g |
There’s something undeniably refreshing about the Broccolini and Garlic Pasta recipe that takes me back to my Italy trip. This unique pasta dish filled not only our bellies but our hearts too. Even as I was born and raised amidst the rich and diverse seafood cuisine of Portland, Maine, this straight-forward, but stunning vegetarian pasta captures a perfect blend of health and taste that brings a vibrant reminder of Italy’s countryside to my family’s dinner table.
The Heart of the Dish
The Broccolini and Garlic Pasta is dear to me because it’s those rare recipes that balances simplicity with a whole punch of flavors. The star ingredient, broccolini, being a perfect combination of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, brings a unique, sweet and peppery flavor. It’s not as strong as broccoli, but still packs in all the nutritional benefits like being high in Vitamin C, K and A. The addition of garlic then adds a sultry depth that simply cannot be ignored.
Complementing the Flavors
Now, coming back to our recipe, it heavily leans on the Mediterranean style of cooking, incorporating olive oil, lemon, and parmesan cheese. The hint of red pepper flakes gives it just the right kick. And of course, how can one go wrong with generous shavings of parmesan? If the broccolini is the heart of the dish, the garlic infused olive oil is its soul, adding that luscious texture and flavor that makes this pasta dish a standout.
It’s also worth mentioning that this broccolini and garlic pasta works beautifully together with a fresh, vibrant salad on the side or even a creamy Caesar salad. Or for the seafood fans like me, try pairing it with a simple oven-fried chicken or simply roasted fish and it complements perfectly, packing in a healthy, wholesome meal!
So, whether you’re looking to explore a vegetarian pasta option, put together a quick family meal for a busy weeknight, or wow your dinner guests with your versatile cooking skills, this Broccolini and Garlic Pasta recipe is your go-to. It’s healthy, full of flavors, and most importantly, something both my daughters, Erin and Samantha, enjoy as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 1 pound broccolini
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 1-2 minutes before your pasta is ready, add in the broccolini and boil with the pasta. Once everything is done, drain and put aside.
Step Two
In the meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the garlic. Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté it gently until it starts to turn golden. Stir in the red pepper flakes and continue to cook for another minute.
Step Three
Add the cooked broccolini and pasta to the pan with garlic and oil. Toss well to combine, sautéing for a couple of minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
Step Four
IOffer the pasta with additional grated Parmesan at the table. Enjoy your meal!
