Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Weeknight Meal

This Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with healthy broccoli, fragrant garlic, and delicate angel hair pasta, all tossed in a light and savory sauce. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with broccoli, a great source of vitamins and fiber.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables, proteins, or spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple and affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **1 pound Angel Hair Pasta:** Also known as Capellini. Its thin strands cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
* **1 large head of Broccoli:** Cut into florets. Fresh broccoli is best, but you can also use frozen (thawed).
* **6 cloves Garlic:** Minced. The more garlic, the more flavorful the dish!
* **1/4 cup Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds a richer flavor.
* **1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese:** Grated. Adds a salty and savory element.
* **1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes:** (Optional) For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning.
* **1/2 cup Pasta Water:** Reserved from cooking the pasta. This starchy water helps to create a creamy sauce.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta:

### Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 5-7 minutes, or until al dente. *Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.*
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

### Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Wash the broccoli head thoroughly.
2. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel the stem and chop it into small pieces.

### Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Sauté the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to be cooked through but still have a slight bite.
5. If the broccoli starts to stick to the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze the pan.

### Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce

1. Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic.
2. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together to coat. The pasta water will help to create a light and creamy sauce.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and easy weeknight meal!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu. Cook the protein separately and add it to the skillet along with the pasta and broccoli.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the pasta water.
* **Add Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the dish.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While angel hair pasta is classic, you can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
* **Garlic Lovers:** If you absolutely love garlic, roast a head of garlic and add the cloves to the dish for an intense garlic flavor.
* **Make it Vegan:** Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. Ensure that no animal products are used if adding protein.

## Make Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Chop the Broccoli:** Chop the broccoli florets up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, be aware that minced garlic can become very strong and pungent if stored for too long.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as flavorful.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, simply use gluten-free angel hair pasta.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

**Q: How can I prevent the garlic from burning?**

A: Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or add a tablespoon of water to the skillet.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time, such as chopping the broccoli and mincing the garlic.

**Q: What can I serve with this pasta?**

A: This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or grilled chicken or fish.

**Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining?**

A: Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking.

**Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of pasta water?**

A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you don’t have pasta water. However, pasta water is preferred because it contains starch that helps to create a creamy sauce.

**Q: How do I make this recipe vegan?**

A: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. Ensure that no animal products are used if adding protein.

**Q: Can I use different types of cheese?**

A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella.

## Conclusion

This Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a flavorful and satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking with different vegetables, proteins, or spices. Enjoy!