Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli. Whole wheat pasta sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclaimer policy.
Welcome to the first recipe in our Pasta Aglio E Olio series of recipes. In this version we are using broccoli and whole wheat pasta to create a wonderful and tasty pasta dish. This series of recipes will feature different types of pasta cooked with garlic and oil. What will change the most in these recipes are the complimentary ingredients or cooking style. For instance, in the second version of this recipe, green beans and regular pasta are used to create a delicious pasta aglio e oil dish.
The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case, pasta aglio e olio, can create a new recipe with a few ingredient changes. First, we create a recipe, then we taste the recipe, then we change up the ingredients to develop a new recipe from the original recipe. This is the innovative part of the process. That is why our approach to cooking is create, taste, innovate.
Look for other recipe series on this blog as we continue to create and innovate new recipe ideas.
This is a favorite recipe of mine and my wife and kids. I love the flavor of pasta aglio e olio. I grew up eating it and to this day I continue to make it frequently. I will sometimes get on a kick where I make this recipe a few times a week.
I classify this recipe as a “go to”, meaning it is always reliable, simple to make, and good in a pinch. This recipe is great for those evening when the day was hectic with activities, the chicken did not fully defrost, and the family is hungry and tired. This whole wheat pasta aglio e olio dish is ready in 30 minutes and checks all the comfort boxes.
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 Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio
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 Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio
- Place the whole wheat pasta aglio e olio in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
- Alternatively, serve this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio along side beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.
More Pasta Recipes
Pasta Aglio e Olio with Green Beans
Tender green beans and perfectly cooked spaghetti with oil, garlic, and grated cheese.
Pasta with Escarole and Beans
Escarole sautéed in garlic and oil and combined with cannellini beans, pasta, and grated cheese.
Pasta with Artichokes and Peppers
Artichokes and peppers sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes and mixed with penne pasta.
Gnocchi with Peppers Recipe
Peppers, onions, tomatoes, and garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and combined with gnocchi.
The Recipe
Whole Wheat Aglio e Olio with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of whole wheat pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 8 cloves of garlic sliced thin
- 4 oz. pasta water
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. 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.
To Serve:
- Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
Invent Your Recipe
Nutrition
Get my highly requested ingredient alternatives list! Over 60 ingredients and suggested replacements. Expand your pantry and flavors!
Invent Your Recipe:
I usually chose broccoli for this healthy whole wheat pasta recipe, and that is what I did in this version, because broccoli grabs onto the oil and grated cheese for an amazing bite!
In this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio recipe I am using standard whole wheat pasta. I was never a fan of whole wheat pasta, but over the years, the quality and texture of whole wheat pasta has gotten better in my opinion. Sometimes, I can’t even tell the difference. For people with wheat sensitivity, try this einkorn whole wheat pasta from Jovial Foods. I really enjoy the taste and texture.
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.
Try some of our other featured pasta dishes, and I hope this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio dish becomes a favorite of yours.
For even more ideas check out our Pinterest page…
