Easy pasta and broccoli with garlic and oil. Whole wheat pasta sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese.
After a long day, the last thing many of us want to do is spend an hour or more slaving over a hot stove. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing a delicious and wholesome meal!
If you’re looking for an incredibly simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, I am exploring easy pasta and broccoli, a true lifesaver for busy evenings.
Specifically, I will be focusing on a fantastic penne pasta with broccoli dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also ready in a flash.
Get ready to discover your new go-to penne pasta recipe for a truly easy pasta dinner.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and it’s a huge hit with my wife and kids too. There’s just something about the incredible flavor of pasta aglio e olio that I can’t get enough of.
I practically grew up on it, and to this day, it remains a consistent favorite in my kitchen.
Sometimes, I’ll even get on a kick where I find myself making this dish a few times a week – it’s just that good!
I consider this a true “go-to” recipe, one of those reliable, simple-to-make dishes that always comes through in a pinch.
It’s an absolute lifesaver on those evenings when the day has been a whirlwind of activities, you realize the chicken never quite defrosted, and everyone in the family is hungry and tired.
This easy pasta and broccoli dish is fantastic because it’s ready in about 30 minutes, and it perfectly checks all those comfort food boxes without any fuss.
NOTE
Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
How to Make Easy Pasta And Broccoli (With Penne)
Preparing the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta save off 4 oz. of pasta water.
Bringing Everything Together:
- While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet on medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
- When oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté.
- Once the garlic begins to turn golden brown add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Next, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, salt, black pepper, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
How to Serve Easy Pasta And Broccoli (With Penne)
- Place the easy pasta and broccoli with penne in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
- Alternatively, serve this penne pasta with broccoli along side beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.
Invent Your Recipe
The beauty of a simple pasta dish like this is how incredibly adaptable it is.
While the penne pasta with broccoli is a fantastic starting point, don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
Here are some ingredient suggestions and flavor combinations to inspire you to invent your next favorite easy pasta dinner:
Vegetable Variations
- Leafy Greens: Instead of, or in addition to, broccoli, try incorporating spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Just wilt them down in the pan with the pasta at the end.
- Other Veggies: Roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even blanched asparagus spears would all be delicious additions. For a burst of color and sweetness, consider adding cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes will give your pasta a pleasant kick. Add them with the garlic for maximum flavor.
Protein Boosts
- Chicken or Sausage: Leftover cooked chicken, shredded or diced, can be tossed in at the end. Cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy, crumbled) is also a fantastic addition that adds a lot of flavor.
- Beans or Legumes: For a plant-based protein boost, white beans (like cannellini) or chickpeas can be stirred in. They’ll absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Seafood: Cooked shrimp or flaked salmon are quick additions that transform this into a heartier meal.
Cheese & Herb Enhancements
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick, or a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella for a creamy melt.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano chopped and stirred in at the very end will brighten up the dish immensely.
- Lemon Zest: A little grated lemon zest added at the end provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the oil and cheese.
Flavor Twists
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop up some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and add them with the garlic for a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor.
- Olives: Sliced Kalamata or black olives can add a briny, savory depth to the dish.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds sprinkled over the top just before serving can add a lovely texture and nutty flavor.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas! Have fun inventing your version of this easy pasta and broccoli recipe.
What is Einkorn?
If you are not familiar with einkorn, it is an ancient grain, and is most likely the oldest wheat we know of.
The gluten structure is weaker than modern wheat, which allows some people with wheat sensitivity the ability to eat it without adverse affects.
Looking for einkorn pasta? I recommend Jovial Einkorn.
Try some of my other featured pasta dishes, and I hope this easy pasta and broccoli dish becomes a favorite.
The Recipe
Easy Pasta And Broccoli (with Penne)
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole wheat pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic sliced thin
- 4 ounces pasta water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta save off 4 oz. of pasta water.
Bringing Everything Together:
- While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet on medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
- When oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté. Once the garlic begins to turn golden brown add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Next, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, salt, black pepper, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
How To Serve:
- Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
Invent Your Recipe
Nutrition
