If you’re craving a bright, refreshing pasta dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness, then you’re going to love this Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It combines the zesty freshness of lemon with tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all tossed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. This comfort food is not only quick and simple to prepare, but also wonderfully balanced in taste and nutrition, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful meal to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A heap of fresh broccoli florets sits on a wooden chopping board, with bright green colors showing the texture of the broccoli buds and stalks. Each floret is a small cluster with tight, bumpy flower heads at the top and pale green stalks below. To the right side of the board, a silver kitchen knife with a shiny blade lies flat, partly visible, adding a sharp contrast to the green broccoli and the wood grain. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple yet robust is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component contributes a unique element—from the fresh lemon’s tanginess to the buttery richness and the vibrant green hues of broccoli and spinach, ensuring your Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe is as delicious as it is colorful.

3 quarts water: For boiling pasta and broccoli; the key to perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant greens.
1 tablespoon salt: Helps season the water and enhances the overall flavor of the pasta and veggies.
1 & 1/2 pounds broccoli (fresh): Provides texture, nutrients, and a lovely green crunch.
1 pound rotini pasta: Its spiral shape captures the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and forms the base of the mouthwatering lemon-garlic sauce.
1 large lemon (zested and juiced): Delivers the star citrus flavor that brightens the entire dish.
2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced): Infuses a fragrant savoriness that balances the tangy lemon.
1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle kick to enliven the flavors without overpowering.
3-4 cups fresh spinach: Adds a mild earthiness and extra color, plus wilts perfectly into the pasta.
1 cup Parmesan (fresh, plus more to garnish): Brings salty, creamy depth that binds the ingredients together.
Olive oil (to garnish): A drizzle of fruity richness and a beautiful finishing touch.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors harmoniously.
Lemon wedges (fresh, to garnish): Adds a fresh squeeze of lemon on the plate for extra brightness.

How to Make Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Bring water to boil and prep broccoli

Start by filling a large skillet or pot with 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt, then bring it to a rolling boil. While waiting, prep your broccoli by trimming the stems and cutting the florets into bite-sized pieces. Getting the broccoli ready now ensures you’re set for the next step where everything cooks together.

Step 2: Cook pasta and broccoli simultaneously

Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook on high for 4 minutes. Once that time is up, add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and let everything cook together for another 3 minutes. This method perfectly cooks the broccoli without making it mushy, while the pasta turns tender yet firm to the bite.

Step 3: Drain and add spinach

When the cooking time ends, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli using a lid or colander. Return the hot pasta and broccoli to the pot, then toss in 3 to 4 cups of fresh spinach. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top and let it sit a few minutes so the spinach wilts gently, adding beautiful color and a subtle, fresh taste.

Step 4: Prepare the lemon-garlic butter sauce

While the pasta and spinach rest, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. You can brown the butter if you want that nutty, caramelized flavor, though it’s absolutely delicious even without browning. Then add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and inviting.

Step 5: Combine sauce with pasta

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture. Pour this bright, aromatic lemon butter sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and wilted spinach. Stir to combine everything evenly, ensuring each piece of pasta gets coated with that luscious, tangy goodness.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and seasoning

Finally, mix in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add creamy, salty richness that ties the entire dish together. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir before transferring to plates.

Step 7: Garnish and serve hot

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh lemon wedges for those who love an extra zing of citrus. Serve this tasty Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe hot, and enjoy a bowl full of comfort and brightness in every mouthful.

How to Serve Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

The key to elevating this Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe lies in the final touches. Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the umami flavors and add a rich creaminess. Top with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and vibrant green contrast. A quick drizzle of olive oil can also add a glossy finish and deeper flavor. Finally, don’t forget those lemon wedges for guests to squeeze extra citrus whenever they want that sharp, zesty punch.

Side Dishes

Because this pasta is already delightful and hearty, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the dish’s richness with acidity and crunch. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover lemon butter sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or a lemon-herb roasted salmon, which echoes the citrus notes and adds protein for a complete dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests or make this dish feel extra special? Serve the pasta in large rustic bowls and garnish with edible flowers or finely sliced radishes for a pop of color. Layer the pasta in glass casserole dishes topped with more Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then briefly bake under the broiler until golden and bubbly for a gratin-style twist. Individual portions can be elegantly plated with a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano and a twist of lemon zest artfully arranged on top to create a restaurant-quality presentation at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps quite well in the fridge. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. Because the sauce clings to the pasta and vegetables, the flavors stay vibrant, though the spinach might darken slightly, which is totally normal and still tasty.

Freezing

Freezing pasta dishes with fresh veggies can sometimes change texture, and this Lemon Broccoli Pasta is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you want to freeze leftovers, pack them tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture as much as possible.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently to avoid drying out the pasta. Warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but pause to stir occasionally and add moisture if needed. Fresh lemon wedges on the side can brighten reheated pasta nicely.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

While fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just add it a little earlier during cooking to ensure it heats through properly without becoming mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This version isn’t vegan because of the butter and Parmesan. However, you can easily swap the butter for olive oil and use a vegan cheese substitute to make a delicious plant-based Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini works great because of its shape, but feel free to use penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times according to the package directions to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love a little heat, increase the crushed red pepper slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic and adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare the pasta and sauce separately?

You can, but combining the pasta, broccoli, spinach, and lemon-garlic butter sauce all together helps the flavors meld better. Preparing separately is fine if needed, just toss everything well before serving to get that signature brightness and richness.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe is truly a gem—simple to make, packed with fresh and vibrant flavors, and endlessly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting yet light, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without the fuss. I encourage you to give it a try, and trust me, it will become a favorite in your meal rotation that your family and friends will ask for again and again.