Whole Wheat Penne with Broccoli
Whole Wheat Penne with Broccoli and Carrots. Garlic and onions sautéed with broccoli and carrots and added to whole wheat penne pasta with grated cheese.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Cost: $$
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne whole wheat
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots cut into sticks
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion sliced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. grated cheese
Instructions
Timing the Pasta Base
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare the whole wheat penne according to the package instructions for al dente.
- As a technical rule: whole wheat pasta can become gummy if overcooked, so check it 1-2 minutes before the timer ends.
- Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water just in case.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- While your pasta is boiling, start managing the sizzle. In a separate large, deep skillet or pot, add the extra virgin olive oil and bring it to medium-high heat.
- Add your sliced garlic and onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and release their natural sweetness.
Executing the Vegetable Sauté
- Add the broccoli florets, carrot sticks, salt, and black pepper to the aromatics. Sauté for 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to catch some of that garlic-infused oil and develop a vibrant color.
The Simmer Phase
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the liquid to a steady simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- This technical step softens the carrots slightly while allowing the broccoli to absorb the savory broth, creating a light, natural pan sauce.
Bringing It All Together
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add your drained whole wheat penne and the 2 tablespoons of grated cheese directly into the vegetable pot.
- Toss and cook for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to incorporate the starch from the pasta with the broth and cheese. This creates a cohesive coating over every noodle.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal
