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Lemon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Lemon Broccoli Pasta is a vibrant and fresh dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender rotini pasta is boiled together with broccoli for a perfect texture, then tossed with fresh spinach, a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and crushed red pepper, and finished with plenty of Parmesan cheese. Garnished with extra lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a bright and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 & 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, trimmed and cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
  • lemon wedges, fresh (for garnish)

Pantry

  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • olive oil, to garnish

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil water: In a large skillet or pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Prepare broccoli: While waiting for the water to boil, trim the broccoli stems and cut the florets into bite-sized, similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
  3. Cook pasta and broccoli: Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook on high for 4 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and continue boiling for an additional 3 minutes, keeping the heat high to maintain a rolling boil.
  4. Drain pasta and broccoli: When done, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli using a lid or colander.
  5. Add fresh spinach: Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot and stir in 3-4 cups of fresh spinach. Sprinkle the lemon zest on top and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
  6. Make lemon garlic butter sauce: While the spinach wilts, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Optionally brown the butter for a nuttier flavor. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Finish sauce: Turn off the heat and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture.
  8. Toss pasta in sauce: Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine.
  9. Add cheese and season: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Garnish and serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your bright, flavorful Lemon Broccoli Pasta!

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, brown the butter slightly but be careful not to burn it.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper amount depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta warm and the spinach wilted but fresh.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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