Broccoli & Garlic Whole Wheat Pasta 🥦🧄🌾🍝 Nutty, Garlicky, and Packed With Greens for a Fast, Feel-Good Dinner

This is pantry pasta with a purpose — nutty whole wheat noodles tossed with sweet roasted garlic, crisp-tender broccoli, and just enough oil, lemon, and cheese to make it craveable.

It’s minimalist in ingredients, maximalist in flavor, and comes together in one pan with ease. Light, bright, and weekday-perfect.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti, penne, or linguine
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water

For the broccoli

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or lemon zest
• Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil (if roasting separately)

For the garlic oil

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Juice of ½ lemon (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
• Optional: 1 tbsp butter for extra richness

To finish

• More lemon juice or zest
• Extra Parmesan or herbs
• Drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta and broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Reserve pasta water, then drain together.

Step 2: Make the garlic oil
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add sliced garlic and sauté gently until golden and fragrant (not browned). Add chili flakes if using.

Step 3: Toss and coat
Return drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet or a large bowl. Add garlic oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy and well coated. Add more water as needed to loosen.

Step 4: Serve immediately
Plate with extra cheese, a drizzle of oil, and more lemon or herbs to brighten.

Flavor Variations

• Add roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms
• Stir in canned white beans or chickpeas for protein
• Swap Parmesan for pecorino or goat cheese
• Use spinach or kale instead of broccoli
• Add anchovy paste or capers for umami punch

Pro Tips

• Don’t let the garlic brown — it should be golden and sweet
• Whole wheat pasta cooks fast — taste early for doneness
• Reserve more pasta water than you think you need
• Toss off heat to avoid overcooking the broccoli
• Zest the lemon before juicing for max citrus flavor

Final Thoughts

Broccoli & Garlic Whole Wheat Pasta is simple, healthy, and packed with satisfying texture and flavor — a low-effort dinner that never feels like a compromise. Garlicky, green, and bright with lemon, it’s a go-to you’ll keep in rotation.

Boil it. Sizzle it. Toss it bright and bold. 🥦🧄🌾🍝

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