Go Back

Easy Parmesan and Broccoli Pasta

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces broccoli florets
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • Parmesan cheese enough to yield 1 cup grated cheese
  • 1 8- ounce box of Banza cavatappi
  • if desired: a protein of choice to serve with the pasta tuna, sausage, chicken, etc
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • as many red pepper flakes as you like

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the broccoli in a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast the broccoli for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes, until fork tender. Transfer the broccoli to a cutting board and roughly chop up the broccoli.
  • Grate your Parmesan cheese to yield 1 cup of grated cheese. Set aside.
  • 10 minutes after starting the broccoli, bring a medium pot filled halfway with lightly salted water to a boil. Add the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes or according to your pasta's directions. Drain and rinse, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, cook your protein to your preference. I usually serve this with chicken sausage, but sometimes I'll just stir in canned tuna or top with a fried egg at the end.
  • Once the pasta is drained and rinsed, add it back to the pot along with the cooked chopped broccoli, half of the Parmesan cheese, half of the pasta water, the rest of the garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well, adding more water if you want to create more of a sauce and more Parmesan cheese if desired (or save the rest for the end garnish.)
  • Divide the pasta into bowls, serve with your desired protein, and garnish with more Parmesan cheese.