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Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

A quick and easy one-pot dinner, Lemon Broccoli Pasta features tender broccoli cooked with pasta for maximum flavor and a light, zesty lemon sauce infused with garlic and olive oil, perfect for a refreshing and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 large broccoli (cut into small florets and chopped stem pieces)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
  • Handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Pantry

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon hot pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 250 grams (2 ¼ cups) short pasta
  • 120 ml (½ cup) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Cut the broccoli head into small florets and peel then chop the stem into 3 cm (1 inch) pieces. Set aside.
  2. Make the lemon sauce: In a heat-safe mixing bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and hot pepper flakes (if using) until combined. Set aside.
  3. Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until almost al dente. Two minutes before pasta finishes, add the prepared broccoli to the boiling water. At this time, reserve about 120 ml (½ cup) of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  4. Finish sauce: Whisk approximately 4 tablespoons of the reserved starchy pasta water into the lemon sauce until smooth and slightly thickened. Add more pasta water if needed for consistency.
  5. Toss pasta and serve: Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return them to the pot. Add the lemon sauce and chopped fresh basil (if using), stirring well to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You may want to reduce the amount of pasta slightly depending on appetite; this recipe uses half a standard pasta bag.
  • The broccoli is lightly blanched and remains slightly crisp; cook for 3-4 minutes if you prefer softer broccoli.
  • Use less water than usual to boil the pasta to make the cooking water starchier; this helps thicken the sauce more effectively.
  • Chop the broccoli before bringing water to a boil to ensure timing is manageable and broccoli is ready to add on time.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/lemon-broccoli-pasta-recipe/