Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta

$- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The ingredients for Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta are simple yet full of flavor. You’ll need eight ounces of spaghetti or any pasta you love. I often choose whole wheat for a health boost. Next, grab two cups of fresh broccoli florets. They add a nice crunch and color. Garlic is a key player here. You’ll need four cloves, minced. This brings a rich aroma to the dish. For cooking, use a quarter cup of olive oil. It helps everything blend nicely and adds healthy fat. Next, we have the flavor boosters. The zest of one lemon gives a fresh kick. You’ll also want two tablespoons of lemon juice for tanginess. If you like spice, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. To finish, you can sprinkle on a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It’s optional but very tasty. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add brightness and a pop of color to your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bringing water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Heat on high until the water bubbles. - Cooking pasta and broccoli together: Add 8 oz of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. This way, both cook perfectly together. After cooking, drain the pasta and broccoli. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. - Heating the olive oil: Grab a large skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Heat it over medium. - Adding garlic and red pepper flakes: Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Once the oil is warm, add the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Stop when the garlic becomes golden and fragrant, but not burnt. - Mixing pasta, broccoli, and garlic oil: In the skillet with the garlic oil, add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together so the flavors mix well. - Adding lemon zest and juice: Grate the zest from 1 lemon. Squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add both to the pasta mix. - Adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water: If the pasta looks dry, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir until you reach the right consistency. This step-by-step guide helps you create a bright and fresh Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta. Enjoy the burst of flavors! To get the best pasta, cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Always boil water first. Add salt to the water for flavor. When the pasta is almost done, add the broccoli. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. Cook them together for three minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli, but save some pasta water. You can boost the flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding some red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring brightness. Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice if needed. This will help balance the rich flavors. Taste as you go. Find the right mix that you enjoy. For serving, use a large pasta bowl. This makes it look inviting. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for extra zing. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds color and flavor. You can also top it with Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch. Make it pretty; food tastes better when it looks good. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and garlic will enhance the flavors significantly compared to frozen or pre-minced options. Adjust the Spiciness: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance; you can even omit it for a milder dish. Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce consistency later. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist instead of Parmesan. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta with protein. Adding grilled chicken is a great choice. Simply slice cooked chicken breast and mix it in. Shrimp is another tasty option. Sauté shrimp in the garlic oil until they turn pink. Both add flavor and fullness to the dish. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or tofu. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas before adding them in. For tofu, use firm tofu, cube it, and sauté until golden. These options make the meal filling while keeping it light and fresh. If you need gluten-free pasta, many choices exist. Brown rice pasta works well and has a nice texture. Quinoa pasta is another good choice, providing protein and fiber. You can even try lentil pasta for extra nutrition. All these options cook similarly to regular pasta. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. For a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan cheese. Instead, look for dairy-free cheese options. Nutritional yeast is also a great choice. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can add more plant-based toppings too. Try toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add brightness. These swaps keep the dish delicious while ensuring it meets vegan needs. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh. Make sure to use it within three days. Storing it properly keeps flavors strong and prevents spoilage. Reheating the pasta can be easy. The best method is using a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Heat on low and add the pasta. Stir gently until warm. You can also add a bit of reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the flavor strong. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta for later. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it directly from the freezer, just add a bit more cooking time. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Here are some great options: - Fusilli: Its twists hold sauce well. - Penne: It has a nice bite and texture. - Gluten-Free Pasta: Great for those with gluten issues. - Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor. To add some heat, try these tips: - Red Pepper Flakes: Use more than 1/2 teaspoon. - Fresh Chili: Slice and sauté with garlic. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle some on before serving. - Spicy Oil: Use chili-infused olive oil for a kick. Pair this dish with these sides: - Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf with garlic butter. - Caesar Salad: Crisp greens with creamy dressing. - Grilled Chicken: Adds protein and pairs well. - Roasted Vegetables: Colorful and healthy additions. This Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta is simple and tasty. I shared key ingredients, like garlic and lemon, to boost flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions for perfecting your dish. Tips helped with texture, presentation, and options to modify the recipe. Enjoy exploring variations, whether adding protein or going vegan. Storing and reheating tips keep leftovers fresh. Dive in and create this delicious meal today!$

Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta

A refreshing and flavorful pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and broccoli.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 4 cup olive oil
1 zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss to combine. Include lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing everything together. If the mixture appears dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything again for about a minute to ensure the flavors meld together.
Plate the pasta, adding grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

Serve in a large pasta bowl, with a wedge of lemon on the side and a sprinkle of extra basil for a fresh touch.

Keyword broccoli, garlic, lemon, pasta