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Easy Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

A bright and flavorful Easy Lemon Broccoli Pasta that combines tender broccoli florets with al dente penne pasta, tossed in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese and optional toasted pine nuts. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner bursting with fresh citrus notes and satisfying textures.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Pasta

  • 8 cups broccoli florets (about 1 ½ lbs or 4 heads, cut into bite-sized florets)
  • 1 lb penne pasta (or substitute bow tie pasta)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp kosher salt (divided)
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving if desired)

Optional Toppings

  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until just tender. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon or sieve and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Return the water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 10-12 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside with the broccoli.
  3. Prepare the lemon garlic sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in the pepper, remaining salt, and fresh lemon juice.
  4. Toss pasta and broccoli with sauce: Add the cooked broccoli, pasta, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, adding more pasta water if needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
  5. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts if desired for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind flavors.
  • To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until golden and fragrant.
  • This recipe can be customized with other vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese can be substituted with a vegetarian hard cheese if desired.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/easy-lemon-broccoli-pasta-recipe/