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
Scale
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