🌿 Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Broccoli
📝 Ingredients:
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Spaghetti – 250g
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Broccoli florets – 2 cups
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Olive oil – 3 tbsp
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Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)
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Red chili flakes – ½ tsp (optional)
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Salt – to taste
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Black pepper – ½ tsp
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Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (or more to taste)
🍳 Instructions:
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Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Blanch broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pasta water for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain with pasta.
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Prepare garlic oil: In a large pan, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add red chili flakes.
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Combine: Toss in the cooked spaghetti and broccoli. Add reserved pasta water if it seems too dry.
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Season: Sprinkle with black pepper, salt, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. Toss well.
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Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use other veggies instead of broccoli?
A: Yes! Zucchini, spinach, or asparagus work great.
Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
A: You can use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even cheddar for a twist.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for protein.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil.