Print

Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 26 reviews

A simple and flavorful Garlicky Lemon Broccoli Pasta recipe that combines tender broccoli florets, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic with your choice of pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, and can be customized with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra richness and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
  2. Sauté the onion. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook the broccoli. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
  5. Combine pasta and broccoli. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well to create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Add lemon and season. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  7. Serve and garnish. Remove from heat and sprinkle the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use any pasta type you prefer – penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work well.
  • For extra protein, add grilled chicken or white beans.
  • If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of pasta water and a bit more Parmesan.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
  • Fresh basil adds fragrance, but you can substitute with parsley or omit entirely.
  • To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlicky lemon broccoli pasta, lemon pasta, broccoli pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta dish, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/garlicky-lemon-broccoli-pasta/