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Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe

4.4 from 104 reviews

A quick and flavorful broccoli pasta recipe featuring tender broccoli florets, a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, and a generous amount of cheese for a comforting weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Broccoli

  • 350g / 12 oz dried short pasta (small shells recommended)
  • 2 large broccoli heads, chopped into small florets

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (add more for extra spice)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • Additional parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until nearly al dente.
  2. Prepare Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli heads into small florets for even cooking.
  3. Cook Broccoli in Pasta Water: Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water about 1 to 2 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking to ensure they are tender yet crisp.
  4. Prepare Sauce Mixture: Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, finely grated parmesan, mixed dried herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar with a lid.
  5. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return them to the same pot on the stove turned off.
  6. Mix Sauce with Pasta Water: Pour 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the sauce jar, secure the lid, and shake well to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
  7. Combine Sauce and Cheese with Pasta: Pour the shaken sauce over the pasta and broccoli in the pot. Add the shredded cheese and stir vigorously to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • You can use any short pasta shape, but small shells or similar shapes work best to hold the sauce.
  • Add more lemon juice for a tangier flavor or increase the red pepper flakes to make it spicier.
  • Reserve plenty of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
  • This recipe works well with fresh or dried mixed herbs based on availability.
  • For a richer sauce, increase the amount of shredded cheese.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: broccoli pasta, quick pasta recipe, lemon garlic pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy broccoli pasta, pasta with lemon sauce