Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 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.
- Prepare Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli heads into small florets for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/really-quick-broccoli-pasta-recipe/
