Pasta Con Broccoli Lighter Yummy

Lighten up your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Pasta Con Broccoli Lighter Yummy recipe! Featuring tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy yet guilt-free sauce made with unsweetened almond milk and low-fat cream cheese, this dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. A hint of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan add a bright and savory touch, while fragrant garlic and crushed red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthier spin on a classic Italian favorite is quick, delicious, and ideal for busy nights. Serve it with a garnish of fresh basil for an elegant finish, and watch as it becomes a family favorite. Perfect as a lighter pasta recipe for those craving comfort food without the extra calories!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 3 cups Fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 4 oz Low-fat cream cheese
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave until tender-crisp. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the almond milk (or low-fat milk) and low-fat cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Mix well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(934.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1115.6

Total Fat 60.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 60.5mg	0%
Sodium 2279.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 102.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.1g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 38.7g	0%

Vitamin D 100.0IU	0%
Calcium 1002.5mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 1404.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 37.0%