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Lemony Broccoli Pasta

By 34 Comments

Lemony Broccoli Pasta is bright and fresh main dish to reach for any time. It’s perfect for a meatless meal option or as a main dish to delight in during the spring season!

Lemony Broccoli Pasta is bright, colorful, and full of flavor for any meal!

Sunday dinner and pasta go hand-and-hand – at least it did with my family when I was growing up. To this day, Sundays are usually pasta days in my kitchen and this Lemony Broccoli Pasta is perfect this spring.

Lemony Broccoli Pasta

With simple ingredients – basically broccoli, lemon, garlic, shallot, olive oil and seasonings, this pasta meal couldn’t be easier to make. The broccoli brings the beautiful, vibrant green to your plate and adds nice flavor (and fiber).

A bowl of spiral pasta with broccoli florets tossed with it.

Since my mom has been visiting and we’ve been eating more than both of us are used to (you know how that goes!), she suggested we make a simple dish of Lemony Broccoli Pasta. I’m so glad she suggested it because it’s so easy to make, and we used ONE POT for a no-fuss prep.

A bowl of spiral pasta with broccoli florets mixed in and covered in Parmesan cheese and a lemon slice on the side.

She said she ate this often growing up in Italy for the some of the same reasons I like it: It’s easy to make, budget friendly, and so good! You’ll love the zingy lemony vibe. I added Parmesan cheese just before serving, and…yum!

This is the perfect springtime dish, and I used the very last of my lemons from the backyard tree – so sad to have to wait for the next season’s batch. I love my lemons so much!

A table with a bowl of spiral pasta and broccoli florets mixed in with a red glass, pink napkin, and lemon slices.

Broccoli has so many nutritional benefits. But also, Lemony Broccoli Pasta is almost a complete meal – no need for veggies on the side since they’re part of the main show!

Do you turn to favorite pasta dishes often? I’m guilty! It’s nice to have a simple dish on hand for when time is tight. To mix things up a little more, try one of these easy-to-make pasta meals:

We eat a lot of broccoli in my home, and if you’re a fan (even if you’re on the fence about this green veggie) you might try my Roasted Broccoli and Swiss Quiche for breakfast or brunch. 

And keep this fun Broccoli Waldorf Salad recipe on hand for the warm weather months and all the picnics and barbecues around the corner

Take my word for it: Lemony Broccoli Pasta is a great spring dish that is simple, simple, simple! It’s filling, flavorful, and so easy to make (don’t forget – only one pan to get dirty)!

Serves Serves 6

Lemony Broccoli Pasta
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4.9 based on 13 review(s)

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spiral or penne pasta
  • 1/2 large bunch of broccoli, stems trimmed and cut into florets
  • Juice of 1-1/2 lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large shallot, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to season
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Add the broccoli to a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch or two of salt and bring the water to a boil.
  2. Cook the broccoli for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it is soft but firm (don’t overcook or the broccoli will be mushy).
  3. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Reserve about 1-1/2 cups of the water used to cook the broccoli.
  5. Add the pasta to the pot and cook in the broccoli water. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the same pot on medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft.
  7. Add a small pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir.
  8. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the water.
  9. Allow the water to cook for a few minutes, then add the pasta back to the pot. Toss to combine.
  10. Add the remaining butter and olive oil and toss.
  11. Add the broccoli to the pot along with the lemon juice, and gently toss to combine.
  12. Add more black and red pepper flakes to taste.
  13. Serve immediately topped with grated parmesan cheese.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/lemony-broccoli-pasta/

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Comments

  1. Beth says

    This looks and sounds so light and delicious! I think it would be great with a roast chicken recipe that I make.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  4. rebecca says

    yum! I love pasta + broccoli + parm combo, it's so delicious and great textures. thanks for sharing
    ★★★★☆
    Reply

  6. Joanne says

    This sounds so perfect for spring. Is there any reason I shouldn't cook the broccoli in the butter, shallot, and garlic instead of boiling it?
    ★★★★★
    Reply

    • Patricia says

      Thanks, Joanne! Cooking the broccoli in the water imparts flavor in the water (and subsequently the pasta). I also think the broccoli cooks a little nicer in the water. I wanted it a little soft, which the water helped with.
      Reply

  8. Marta says

    I loved the bright lemony flavor of this broccoli pasta. We served it with grilled chicken and it was a wonderful side dish for our Sunday dinner.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  9. Bernice says

    I'm not much of a broccoli eater but you have me convinced. I think the trick is not to overcook the broccoli so it stays nice and green just like you did here. I think it would pair so nicely with lemon and spices too.
    Reply

  10. Kathryn says

    This lemon broccoli pasta is the perfect dish for summer because it's light and easy to make. I love how the broccoli is so delicious- even my daughter ate this. It made great leftovers too!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  11. Sean says

    I love how this was such an easy and tasty pasta dish to make. I roasted my broccoli and it came out beautifully.
    Reply

  12. Natalia says

    I tried this lemon broccoli pasta for dinner tonight. It is truly wonderful, nothing is overpowering and not heavy on the stomach. Thank you so much for sharing.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  14. Dennis says

    What a delightfully delicious pasta dish! The lemon really perked up the flavor. My family agrees this is five stars!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  15. Kristina says

    I love lemon on broccoli, and this was so easy and delicious too. I served it with a side of homemade crusty bread with garlic topping for a complete meal.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

  16. Madelyn says

    I make this lemon pasta when I don;t have a lot of time for dinner and it always turns out so good. With just simple ingredients, it's amazing how flavorful it turns out.
    ★★★★★
    Reply

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