Print

Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

This Really Quick Broccoli Pasta is a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender pasta and broccoli with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce and plenty of cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal with a bright, fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 350g (12 oz) dried short pasta (small shells recommended)
  • 2 large broccoli heads

Sauce

  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp+ red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (any melting cheese of your choice)
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil, adding 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions.
  2. Prepare broccoli: While pasta cooks, chop the broccoli heads into small florets to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add broccoli to boiling water: About 1-2 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, add the broccoli florets directly into the same pot with the pasta.
  4. Prepare sauce ingredients: While pasta and broccoli cook, place olive oil, minced garlic, mixed herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a jar with a lid. Set aside.
  5. Reserve pasta water and drain: Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return them to the pot off the heat.
  6. Mix sauce: Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the jar containing the sauce ingredients. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to combine and emulsify the sauce.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the shaken sauce mixture and the shredded cheese into the pot with the pasta and broccoli. Stir vigorously to coat everything evenly. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt and pepper if required. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon juice and zest adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil.
  • Customize the shredded cheese based on preference – mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend works well.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to pasta and broccoli.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Keywords: quick broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, lemon garlic pasta, vegetarian pasta, broccoli pasta with cheese

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/really-quick-broccoli-pasta-recipe/