Melissa's 18-Minute Pasta Dinner — Meatless Monday

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Garlic Oil Sauteed Pasta with Broccoli

Photo by: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Tara Donne, FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Despite your best attempts at meal planning and any plans you have for leisurely time in the kitchen, sometimes the unexpected occurs, and by the time you get home from the day, there's hardly any time to make dinner. On nights like these, it's important to have in your recipe arsenal a few go-to recipes that require as few ingredients as possible and can be on the table in a flash.

Melissa's Garlic Oil Sauteed Pasta with Broccoli (pictured above) is one such fuss-free timesaver, as it can be on the table in less than 20 minutes. She starts with a few pantry staples, like garlic, red pepper flakes and extra virgin olive oil, to make what will become the base of this bold sauce. After incorporating vibrant broccoli for a dose of good-for-you vegetables, she tosses penne into the mixture for a quick, simple supper. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta water, as you may need it to thin out the sauce once the noodles are added. For an indulgent finish, top each bowl with Parmesan cheese.

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more Meatless Monday recipes.

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