| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 15g | 4g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 7g | 16g | 0.75g |
As someone who hails from Montana’s vast landscapes, I hold a deep appreciation for simple but hearty meals. That’s why today, I’d love to introduce you to a magnificent vegetable-based recipe: the Broccoli Leaves Pasta. Ah, just one bite of this wholesome dish brings a delightful medley of textures and flavors – a truly memorable culinary experience.
A Harmony of Flavors
When tossing together the vibrant, freshly picked broccoli leaves, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and whole wheat pasta, doused in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing with a sprinkling of minced garlic, not forgetting the hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, what arises is a harmony of flavors that is simply intoxicating. Not to mention, the grand finale of grated Parmesan cheese that is generously sprinkled over the top truly brings it all together. It’s quite similar to the traditional Aglio e Olio pasta, but with a refreshing and nutritious twist.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Did you know that wholesome Broccoli Leaves Pasta could be your ticket to a healthier lifestyle? Broccoli leaves are often overlooked; however, they are dense in essential vitamins like A and C and provide a good amount of fiber. I take pride in incorporating ingredients that not only make a dish taste good but sincerely contribute towards good health. Whole wheat pasta, another star of this dish, is a remarkable source of dietary fiber and various antioxidants.
If you’re one to watch your diet, this recipe would work splendidly with a side of grilled veggies to boost the nutritional profile. Or, for a lean protein addition, a grilled lemon chicken would be an excellent choice.
So there you have it, folks – the Broccoli Leaves Pasta is not just a dance of flavors and textures; it’s also a recipe that packs a punch on the nutritional front. Despite my roots being steeped in hearty rancher’s meals and Native American cuisine, I can’t resist the allure of lush greens and vibrant veggies. Every bite reminds me that fine cuisine isn’t limited to the ingredients you’re accustomed to; it’s also about the love and appreciation of balanced flavors and nutrition. Do try it, and who knows, you might find a new favorite in this delightful green dish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli leaves, tear into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step Two
In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Three
Add the fresh broccoli leaves to the skillet and stir until they start to wilt. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Step Four
Pour the lemon juice over the broccoli leaves and tomatoes in the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors, then add the lemon zest.
Step Five
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss well to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated with the ingredients in the skillet. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen up the dish.
Step Six
Lastly, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently mix it in. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if necessary.
Step Seven
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Broccoli Leaves Pasta hot. Enjoy this flavorful, veggie-packed dish as it is or as a side to your favorite protein!
