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Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta - Low Calorie Dinner Recipes

When I first threw together this light and healthy broccoli pasta, I didn’t expect it to become one of my favorite low calorie dinner recipes, but here we are. Picture this: tender broccoli, al dente pasta, a touch of garlic, and just enough olive oil to coat everything without weighing you down. It’s simple food, but that’s the beauty of it—we don’t always need bells and whistles to enjoy dinner. Now, if you’re like me, you sometimes wonder whether healthy recipes can actually taste good. This dish answers that with a big yes. The broccoli brings a fresh bite, the pasta gives comfort, and the garlic adds that warm, familiar flavor. I’ve found that meals like this are perfect not only as Low Calorie Dinners but also as the kind of low calorie recipes you can whip up when time isn’t on your side. I mean, who hasn’t opened the fridge and stared into it like it’s a magic eight ball? Here’s the thing: healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Think of this as your new best friend—filling enough to satisfy, light enough to keep you on track. Whether you’re into Low Calorie Chicken Recipes, Low Calorie Breakfast Recipes, or even Low Calorie Soup Recipes, this pasta earns its place on the list. It’s my little midweek lifesaver, and maybe it’ll be yours too.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta recipe, low calorie breakfast recipes, Low Calorie Chicken Recipes, low calorie dinner recipes, Low Calorie Dinners, Low Calorie Soup Recipes, low-calorie recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  2. Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add broccoli and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If it feels dry, splash in some reserved pasta water.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if you like.
  6. Serve warm with extra lemon zest.