Description
Shell Pasta with Garlic Broccoli Mash and Parmesan is a cozy, flavorful pasta dish where tender broccoli is mashed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to create a rustic sauce. Tossed with shells and Parmesan, it’s a hearty vegetarian meal ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces shell pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook broccoli for 5 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving ½ cup cooking water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes, then mash broccoli directly in the pan.
- Meanwhile, cook shell pasta in the same water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Add pasta to skillet with broccoli mash. Stir in Parmesan and toss well. Loosen with pasta water if needed.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add baby spinach or basil for extra greens.
- For protein, mix in grilled chicken or white beans.
- Add ricotta or a drizzle of cream for richness.
- Works well with penne, orecchiette, or rotini instead of shells.
- Leave broccoli chunky for texture or mash smooth for creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
