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Home / Side Dishes

Perfect Parmesan Broccoli | Delicious & Healthy Side Dish

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Healthy side dishes are not difficult to come by. However, healthy side dishes that are also completely delicious are few and far between. I love a side dish like this Parmesan Broccoli that I look forward to as much as the main dish. The parmesan, lemon and garlic really enhance the flavor of fresh broccoli.

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Parmesan Broccoli

Tell me all about this parmesan broccoli

  • Fresh - Using fresh broccoli, fresh parmesan, fresh lime juice and garlic really gives this simple side dish so much flavor.
  • Pairs With - I honestly love broccoli with just about anything (it's the one vegetable both my kids will eat), but see below for a list of great main dish recipes.
  • Texture - Cooking the broccoli just a few minutes keeps the broccoli with a light crunch, but still soft and warm.
  • Flavor - Warm broccoli brightened with lemon with a light coating of melted parmesan and little zing of garlic makes for a delicious side dish.
  • Difficulty - The only trick in this recipe is cooking the broccoli to get just the right amount of crunch and softness. 5 minutes has been just right for us, but of course it will depend on your stove and pan. To check the broccoli, I like to stick a fork through the thick part of the stem. It should still be firm, but soft enough to go through.
Parmesan Broccoli

Recipes that pair well with parmesan broccoli

  • Balsamic Fig Pork Loin - This pork loin has tons of flavor, so a light side dish is perfect.
  • Italian Cordon Blue - I can't tell you how much I love this recipe. Lightly breaded chicken rolled up with brie and prosciutto. Mmm!
  • Blackened Chicken - Chicken with a thick layer of spices cooked in a pan to create a spice-crust. So delicious!
  • Olive & Artichoke Chicken - My favorite make-ahead meal. Just combine ingredients and refrigerate. Throw in the oven when ready!
  • Grilled Steak with Blue Cheese Salsa - Also a great make-ahead meal, this time for the grill.
Parmesan Broccoli

Ingredients for parmesan broccoli

  • Fresh Broccoli — large stem removed and cut into bit-sized pieces
  • Minced Garlic — fresh or in a jar
  • Lemon Juice — fresh or in a squeeze bottle
  • Shredded Parmesan — as much or as little as you like
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil — more if needed

How to perfectly cook broccoli

  • Heat oil over medium high heat, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add broccoli and lemon juice.
  • Add water to keep broccoli from sticking to the pan if needed. Just a splash at a time.
  • Cook until lightly browned about 5 minutes (Add more oil if needed)
  • Turn off heat and add Parmesan, stirring the broccoli to slightly melt the cheese.
  • Serve right away.
Parmesan Broccoli

Perfect Parmesan Broccoli

The ultimate healthy and simple side dish.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 C fresh broccoli large stem removed and cut into small hunks
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ C shredded parmesan
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil more if needed
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat oil over medium high heat, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add broccoli and lemon juice.
  • Cook until lightly browned about 5 minutes (Add more oil if needed)
  • Turn off heat and add Parmesan, stirring the broccoli to slightly melt the cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

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More Side Dishes

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Rachel and Amy

 

Here at The Oven Light, we are always looking for ways to cut cooking time in half (or more!). We use shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor, we’re just getting smarter with our time. You won’t find “dump” meals here, but rather an approach to cooking that is mindful and intentional with time AND taste. 

— Amy and Rachel

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