Zesty Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe For Weeknight Magic
Crafting a mouth-watering garlicky lemon broccoli pasta brings pure comfort to your kitchen.
Aromatic herbs and zesty citrus dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.
Fresh ingredients become the stars of this quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.
Crisp broccoli florets provide a delightful crunch against smooth, silky noodles.
Garlic adds depth and warmth, while lemon brightens every single bite.
You will absolutely fall in love with this easy weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.
Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a perfect harmony of flavors.
Why Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta Feels Light And Bright
Ingredients In Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
Main Ingredients:Aromatics and Seasonings:Finishing Ingredients:How To Cook Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Before draining, scoop out and set aside some pasta water for later magic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, creating a golden base of flavor.
Step 3: Awaken the Garlic
Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy) to the skillet. Let them sizzle and release their aromatic powers for roughly 1 minute.
Step 4: Embrace the Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the skillet:Cover and let the broccoli steam and tenderize for 5-7 minutes until it’s perfectly crisp-tender.
Step 5: Merge Pasta and Vegetables
Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet with the broccoli.
Splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that hugs every noodle.
Step 6: Brighten with Citrus
Stir in these zesty ingredients:Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Step 7: Toss and Coat
Gently mix the pasta and broccoli until every morsel is beautifully coated with the lemony garlic sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of:Serve piping hot and enjoy your vibrant, flavor-packed pasta!
Quick Tips For Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
Tasty Variations Of Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
What To Eat With Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
How To Store Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta Right
Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta Questions Answered
Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from broccoli, which is rich in vitamins C and K, and fiber. The olive oil provides healthy fats, making it a nutritious meal.
Absolutely! The dish is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference or skip them entirely for a milder flavor.
No problem! You can use dried basil or skip it altogether. The lemon and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor to the pasta.
PrintGarlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Zesty “garlicky lemon broccoli pasta” delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Fresh ingredients combine in a quick, satisfying meal that brings comfort and excitement to weeknight dinners you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, keeping 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to release fragrant notes for 60 seconds.
- Add broccoli florets with a light salt sprinkle, then cover and steam for 6 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, combining with broccoli mixture and gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to create a silky, light sauce.
- Elevate flavors by folding in vibrant lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper to personal preference.
- Gently toss ingredients until pasta and broccoli are evenly coated and glistening with lemony essence.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional torn basil leaves, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a perfect texture that complements the tender broccoli.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
- Opt for extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and provide a rich, smooth base.
- Experiment with different cheese options like pecorino or nutritional yeast for dairy-free variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.