Tom | Invent Your Recipe
Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli. Whole wheat pasta sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese.
This is a favorite recipe of mine and my wife and kids. I love the flavor of pasta aglio e olio. I grew up eating it and to this day I continue to make it frequently. I will sometimes get on a kick where I make this recipe a few times a week.
I classify this recipe as a “go to”, meaning it is always reliable, simple to make, and good in a pinch. This recipe is great for those evening when the day was hectic with activities, the chicken did not fully defrost, and the family is hungry and tired. This whole wheat pasta aglio e olio dish is ready in 30 minutes and checks all the comfort boxes.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. of whole wheat pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 8 cloves of garlic sliced thin
- 4 oz. pasta water
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. grated cheese
How To Make Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio
Preparing the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta save off 4 oz. of pasta water.
Bringing Everything Together:
- While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet on medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
- When oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté.
- Once the garlic begins to turn golden brown add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Next, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, salt, black pepper, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
How to Serve Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio
- Place the whole wheat pasta aglio e olio in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
- Alternatively, serve this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio along side beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.
Invent Your Recipe:
I usually chose broccoli for this healthy whole wheat pasta recipe, and that is what I did in this version, because broccoli grabs onto the oil and grated cheese for an amazing bite!
In this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio recipe I am using standard whole wheat pasta. I was never a fan of whole wheat pasta, but over the years, the quality and texture of whole wheat pasta has gotten better in my opinion. Sometimes, I can’t even tell the difference. For people with wheat sensitivity, try this einkorn whole wheat pasta from Jovial Foods. I really enjoy the taste and texture.
If you are not familiar with einkorn, it is an ancient grain, and is most likely the oldest wheat we know of. The gluten structure is weaker than modern wheat, which allows some people with wheat sensitivity the ability to eat it without adverse affects.
