The Perfect Pasta Dish in Under 30 Minutes

In this post, Jamie Oliver shares his recipe for a mouthwatering broccoli pasta that can be cooked in just 30 minutes. This is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you want to prepare something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

To start off, Jamie boils a pot of water and adds a generous amount of salt. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly seasoned pasta. While the water is boiling, he trims the broccoli and cuts it into small florets. The stems are also sliced and set aside for later use.

Once the water is boiling, Jamie adds the pasta and sets a timer for the recommended cooking time. While the pasta is cooking, he heats a pan with olive oil and adds chopped garlic and chili flakes for a hint of heat. The sliced broccoli stems are added to the pan and cooked until tender.

Next, Jamie adds the broccoli florets to the pan and cooks them until they turn bright green. He then adds a ladleful of pasta cooking water to the pan to create a light sauce. The cooked pasta is drained and added directly to the pan, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the garlic, chili, and broccoli.

To finish off the dish, Jamie adds a squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese. He tosses everything together until well combined and serves the pasta with an extra grating of Parmesan on top. The result is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Jamie Oliver preparing the ingredients for the broccoli pasta

Cooked pasta being tossed together with the broccoli and sauce

The final dish of broccoli pasta with Parmesan cheese

Health Benefits of Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli pasta is not only delicious, but it's also a nutritious choice for dinner. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any meal. It contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, which are essential for a healthy immune system and proper blood clotting.

Additionally, broccoli is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The fiber in broccoli promotes healthy digestion and can aid in weight management. When paired with whole wheat pasta, this dish becomes even more nutritious and filling.

By incorporating broccoli pasta into your diet, you're not only enjoying a delicious meal but also reaping the many health benefits this dish has to offer.

Close-up of fresh broccoli florets

Broccoli pasta being served in a bowl

Get Creative with Your Broccoli Pasta

Jamie Oliver's broccoli pasta recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. You can add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can crumble some feta cheese on top or add toasted pine nuts for extra texture.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can all add a unique twist to the dish. You can also substitute whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta if you have any dietary restrictions.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal to impress your guests, Jamie Oliver's broccoli pasta is a winning recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Grilled chicken being added to the broccoli pasta

Broccoli pasta with feta cheese and pine nuts