Penne Pasta with Broccoli & Garlic

Another quick and easy pasta dish which is loved by both kids and adults.  Broccoli & garlic pasta can be made to be eaten as a side dish or a main dish whenever you need something fast.  This is vegetarian dish but you can also add grilled chicken to add protein or soy protein if you prefer veg meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dry Penne pasta ( or any other kind)
• water for boiling
• Olive oil
• 10-12 garlic cloves (grated or chopped)
• 1/2 of broccoli flower (cut into small florets)
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese

Directions:

Boil the pasta as per the instructions on the box with salt.  In the mean time  cut the broccoli into florets and peel & chop the garlic cloves and set aside.  Once the pasta is boiled, drain it in the strainer and run the cold water on it.  Let it drain completely.

In a kadhai or a deeper pan, add olive oil and let it heat up a little. This type of pasta needs more olive oil than usual.  Add the chopped garlic and sautee for a couple of minutes.  Then add washed broccoli florets and sautee again for a few minutes.

We don’t want the broccoli to be soggy so don’t cover it and do not cook for too long.  Now, add the boiled pasta along with Italian seasoning, red crushed peppers, and black pepper.  Check salt by tasting, if needed add at this time.  Mix everything well.

After stirring for a few minutes, add parmesan cheese and give it a mix.  Once again you can check the spices, add if anything is needed.  Mix well.  Serve hot with a  slice of garlic bread or as a side with chicken.

If you like the recipe, please comment below after you give it a try and share it on Facebook.  Would like to hear from you. Your comments, likes, dislikes, matters to me. Thank you for stopping by!!

Happy Cooking!!!!