Looking for a vibrant, wholesome, and easy vegan pasta dish that bursts with flavor and nutrition? This Broccolini Pasta recipe is exactly what you need!
Combining tender broccolini with perfectly cooked pasta, garlic, lemon, and a touch of chili flakes, this dish brings a delightful balance of freshness and warmth to your table. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based goodness, making it an ideal weeknight meal for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just dipping your toes into plant-based meals, this recipe will become a staple. The subtle bitterness of broccolini contrasts beautifully with the zesty lemon and savory garlic, creating a comforting yet light dinner that satisfies every craving.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted with your favorite nuts, herbs, or vegan cheese alternatives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Broccolini Pasta recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to form a delicious, nutrient-rich meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Vegan and wholesome: No animal products, just whole-food goodness.
- Flavor-packed: Garlic, lemon, and chili flakes elevate the natural flavors.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pasta or add-ins.
- Nutritious: Broccolini is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite vegan pasta)
- 1 bunch broccolini (about 8 oz), trimmed and halved
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional, for serving)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Zester or fine grater
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Blanch the broccolini: While pasta cooks, add the broccolini to the boiling pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain both pasta and broccolini together, reserving the pasta water.
- Sauté garlic and chili: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes. Cook gently until garlic is fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add broccolini: Add the drained broccolini to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic oil and cook for another 2 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with broccolini and garlic. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta well.
- Season and finish: Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss again to combine. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast if using.
Tips & Variations
For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of umami.
If you prefer your broccolini softer, steam it for a few minutes before adding to the skillet.
To make it a heartier meal, toss in some cooked chickpeas or crispy tofu cubes. For an herby twist, add fresh basil or thyme.
Feeling cheesy? Nutritional yeast is a fantastic vegan alternative to Parmesan.
If you want to change up the pasta, this recipe works great with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties too.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 380 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 56 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Vitamin A | 20% DV |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Calcium | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Broccolini Pasta is perfect as a light main course or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty vegan garlic bread.
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve it alongside marinated olives and roasted red peppers. If you want a protein boost, a side of sautéed mushrooms or a vegan lentil loaf works beautifully.
Looking for more vegan pasta inspiration? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try the hearty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for something equally satisfying.
Conclusion
This Broccolini Pasta recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a flavorful, healthful dish that everyone can enjoy. Its bright lemon notes and garlicky warmth make it a refreshing yet comforting meal any day of the week.
Perfect for busy cooks looking for a quick vegan dinner without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, delicious textures, and wholesome ingredients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations or pair it with other dishes like the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for a complete vegan feast.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Broccolini Pasta Recipe Vegan
Description: A simple and flavorful vegan pasta dish featuring tender broccolini and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal packed with nutrients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccolini to the boiling water.
- Drain pasta and broccolini, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add drained pasta and broccolini to the pan; toss to combine.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water as needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and mix in toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 45 g
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