Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti
An easy spaghetti dish with tender broccoli florets sautéed in garlic and olive oil, topped with Parmesan cheese for a simple, healthy meal kids will enjoy. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/8 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1/2 tsp salt) to a boil. Add 10 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained broccoli and spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss gently and cook for 2 minutes until pasta is coated and broccoli is tender.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with remaining 1/4 tsp salt if needed. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Quick Sautéed Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
