Are you craving a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this sensational Broccoli and Angel Hair Pasta recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's nutritious, elegant, and so simple even a novice cook can master it with confidence.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- When the water reaches a full boil, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-5 minutes until al dente.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot to blanch them.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic and olive oil, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss once more to distribute.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light, silky coating.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Cook angel hair pasta quickly to maintain its delicate texture; it overcooks faster than thicker pasta varieties.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to ensure even, aromatic distribution throughout the dish.
- Toss the pasta and broccoli gently to prevent breaking the delicate angel hair strands.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- For a protein boost, you can easily add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to this versatile recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
