The Creamiest Lemony Broccoli Pasta with Melted Cheese Recipe

Whipping up a delightful creamy lemony broccoli pasta that promises pure culinary magic can instantly brighten any dinner table.

Cheese lovers will adore this comforting blend of zesty and smooth flavors.

Perfectly balanced ingredients dance together in a harmonious symphony of taste.

Tender broccoli florets nestle among silky pasta strands, creating a delectable canvas for melted cheese.

Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, unexpected twist that awakens every bite.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible comfort meal.

Why Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss Satisfies Every Time

• Simplify Cooking: Shake and stir this pasta dish in one jar, creating a hassle-free meal with minimal kitchen tools and cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, herbs, and cheese to match your personal taste preferences.
• Quick Family Favorite: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this cheesy broccoli pasta delivers a nutritious and delicious meal that kids and adults will love.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families, this one-pot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner that works for casual meals or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients In Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

• Pasta: A key component that provides the base for this creamy and flavorful dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the pasta.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese that melts into a creamy, luxurious sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that add a tangy and fresh flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps emulsify the sauce and adds richness.
• Parmesan: Salty and sharp cheese that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic, Herbs, Red Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavorful seasonings that create a well-balanced and complex taste experience.

Directions For Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Prepare Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta following the instructions on the package.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Broccoli

Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized florets. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook Broccoli with Pasta

Two minutes before the pasta reaches its perfect al dente stage, drop the broccoli florets directly into the boiling water. This technique allows the broccoli to become tender yet maintain a slight crunch.

Step 4: Create Zesty Sauce Mixture

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Grated parmesan
• Minced garlic
• Chopped herbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Pinch of sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Prepare Pasta Water

Before draining the pasta and broccoli, carefully scoop out one cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid gold will help create a smooth, silky sauce.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Pour half a cup of the reserved pasta water into the jar with the sauce ingredients. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until everything is well combined and emulsified.

Step 7: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot. Pour the sauce over the top and add shredded cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and coats everything in a luxurious, creamy layer. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in more reserved pasta water.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot, sprinkling extra parmesan cheese on top for an indulgent finish.

Tips To Get Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss Just Right

• Shake the jar vigorously to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats every pasta strand evenly.
• Save pasta water before draining, as its starchy liquid helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that cuts through the creamy cheese.
• Choose tender broccoli florets and cook them briefly to maintain a crisp texture and preserve their nutritional value.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.

Flavor Swaps For Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace broccoli with roasted zucchini and bell peppers, add crumbled feta cheese, and swap lemon for sun-dried tomato paste for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Pasta: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp, use spinach instead of broccoli, and mix in cream cheese for extra richness and protein boost.
• Nutty Green Veggie Blend: Substitute broccoli with asparagus, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top, and use ricotta cheese instead of parmesan for a creamy, earthy flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, replace parmesan with pepper jack cheese, mix in black beans, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.

Pairing Ideas For Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

• Perfectly Pair Zesty Pasta with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony, creamy pasta with its bright acidity and herbaceous notes.
• Brighten the Plate with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to echo the pasta's tangy flavors.
• Enhance Texture with Toasted Garlic Bread: Serve crusty, garlic-rubbed bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Cleanse the Palate with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon-infused sparkling water to refresh between bites and highlight the dish's citrusy undertones.

How To Store Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover pasta completely to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water over top, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or extra olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs For Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta With Melted Cheese Bliss

• How do I know if my sauce is properly emulsified?

When you shake the jar with lemon juice, olive oil, and pasta water, the mixture should look smooth and slightly creamy, without oil separating from the other ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged cheddar for similar melting and flavor characteristics.

• Is the sugar necessary in the sauce?

The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the lemon juice, creating a more rounded flavor profile, but you can omit it if you prefer.

• What if my sauce looks too thick or dry?

Simply add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while stirring vigorously to create a silky, smooth consistency that coats the pasta and broccoli evenly.

Creamy Lemony Broccoli Pasta with Melted Cheese Bliss Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemony broccoli pasta with melted cheese bliss delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Rich parmesan, zesty lemon, and tender broccoli create a perfect harmony you’ll crave with every delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 350 grams (12 ounces) dried short pasta (shells, penne, or macaroni)
• 2 large heads broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gruyere)
• 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Oils and Seasonings:

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil a generously salted water pot, preparing to cook pasta precisely according to package instructions for optimal texture.
2. Carefully deconstruct broccoli into delicate, bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform cooking potential.
3. Strategically introduce broccoli into the bubbling water approximately 2 minutes before pasta reaches complete doneness, allowing synchronized cooking.
4. Craft a vibrant dressing by combining zesty lemon essence, tangy juice, fruity olive oil, aged parmesan, aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, fiery red pepper flakes, subtle sugar, and balanced seasoning in a tightly sealed jar.
5. Extract and preserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining, then return pasta and broccoli to the original cooking vessel.
6. Infuse the sauce mixture by incorporating half a cup of reserved liquid, then vigorously shake the jar to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
7. Pour the dynamic sauce and generously shredded cheese into the pasta pot, stirring enthusiastically until cheese completely dissolves, creating a luxurious, glossy coating. Incrementally introduce additional reserved water to achieve desired consistency.
8. Perform a final flavor calibration, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, crowned with an additional sprinkle of parmesan for enhanced richness.

Notes

• Make sure the pasta water is generously salted to enhance the overall flavor of the dish, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, green florets to ensure a vibrant color and optimal texture when cooked.
• Shake the sauce vigorously in a sealed jar to create a smooth, well-combined emulsion that coats the pasta evenly.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cheese with low-fat alternatives or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg