Description
This easy one-pot lemon garlic pasta with broccoli is a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. The bright citrus notes and rich garlic aroma perfectly balance tender broccoli and al dente pasta, making it a simple yet elegant dish ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Pasta (penne or linguine recommended)
- 4 cups Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Sauté minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add uncooked pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and raise heat to high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Simmer uncovered on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately into warm bowls, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few parsley leaves.
Notes
- Optional: Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
- To freeze, cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat, adding a bit of broth or olive oil.
- If pasta is too dry or clumpy, use enough vegetable broth and stir frequently while cooking. Reheat with warm broth or olive oil.
- For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta works well. For vegan, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg