Whole Wheat Pasta With Broccoli & Pine Nuts

This is a foolproof and fast way of making a healthy pasta dinner. Bright-green and tender broccoli is paired with chewy whole wheat pasta. A quick garlic oil is made in the microwave. Everything is tossed together creating a simple, nutritious and tasty dinner.

This may not be the proper Italian way of doing things, but it works for me. When I crave a bowl of broccoli and pasta, this meal hits the spot. Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables. Tangles of spaghetti with a green vegetable is always a good idea. I serve this pasta with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and red chili flakes. Pine nuts compliment the earthy taste of the whole wheat spaghetti.

Whole Wheat Pasta With Broccoli & Pine Nuts Recipe 

Serves 4

Some Notes & Tips:

I use Bionaturae Organic Whole Wheat Pasta for this recipe. I've tried many brands of whole wheat pasta.This brand has the best texture and flavor. I enjoy the health benefits of whole wheat pasta without sacrificing taste.

You can use your favorite shape of pasta for this recipe.

I've kept this recipe on the lighter side, feel free to add more olive oil if you're in the mood.

If you want to bump up the protein in this recipe, cannellini beans are nice. You can quickly saute a can of rinsed and drained beans in the garlic oil. Stir them into the pasta.  This recipe also makes a great sidekick to my Chicken Milanese.

Ingredients 

• 1 large head of broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced, grated or pressed
• Olive oil for cooking
• Sea salt to taste
• Red chili flakes 
• A handful of toasted pine nuts
• 1 package of whole wheat pasta cooked according to the package directions.  I use Bionaturea Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti.  

To Serve: fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil

Instructions

In the same pot as you will use to cook the pasta, steam the broccoli until bright green and tender. Drain and chop the broccoli. Set aside on a plate or in a bowl covered with aluminium foil to keep it warm.

Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Meanwhile, make the garlic oil by grating two cloves of garlic on a microplane zester or press them in a garlic press. Place the garlic in a microwave safe bowl. Stir in six tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Microwave the garlic oil until it starts to sizzle, being careful not to burn the garlic. It should take about thirty seconds or so. Toss garlic oil, broccoli and pasta together. Salt to taste. Serve with toasted pine nuts, chili flakes  and any of the above suggestions.

Bon Appetit & Blessings!

xx ~ Jilly