Grab A Plate

Make each meal memorable

subscribe SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL
info
You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Lunch
    • Snacks
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Out & About
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free eCookbook

Lemony Broccoli Pasta

April 24, 2023 By Patricia 34 Comments

Lemony Broccoli Pasta is bright and fresh main dish to reach for any time. It’s perfect for a meatless meal option or as a main dish to delight in during the spring season!

Lemony Broccoli Pasta is bright, colorful, and full of flavor for any meal!

Sunday dinner and pasta go hand-and-hand – at least it did with my family when I was growing up. To this day, Sundays are usually pasta days in my kitchen and this Lemony Broccoli Pasta is perfect this spring.

Lemony Broccoli Pasta

With simple ingredients – basically broccoli, lemon, garlic, shallot, olive oil and seasonings, this pasta meal couldn’t be easier to make. The broccoli brings the beautiful, vibrant green to your plate and adds nice flavor (and fiber).

A bowl of spiral pasta with broccoli florets tossed with it.

Since my mom has been visiting and we’ve been eating more than both of us are used to (you know how that goes!), she suggested we make a simple dish of Lemony Broccoli Pasta. I’m so glad she suggested it because it’s so easy to make, and we used ONE POT for a no-fuss prep.

A bowl of spiral pasta with broccoli florets mixed in and covered in Parmesan cheese and a lemon slice on the side.

She said she ate this often growing up in Italy for the some of the same reasons I like it: It’s easy to make, budget friendly, and so good! You’ll love the zingy lemony vibe. I added Parmesan cheese just before serving, and…yum!

This is the perfect springtime dish, and I used the very last of my lemons from the backyard tree – so sad to have to wait for the next season’s batch. I love my lemons so much!

A table with a bowl of spiral pasta and broccoli florets mixed in with a red glass, pink napkin, and lemon slices.

Broccoli has so many nutritional benefits. But also, Lemony Broccoli Pasta is almost a complete meal – no need for veggies on the side since they’re part of the main show!

Do you turn to favorite pasta dishes often? I’m guilty! It’s nice to have a simple dish on hand for when time is tight. To mix things up a little more, try one of these easy-to-make pasta meals:

  • Pasta Primavera in Light Cream Sauce
  • Pasta with Smashed Peas and Ricotta
  • Kale Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and White Beans 

We eat a lot of broccoli in my home, and if you’re a fan (even if you’re on the fence about this green veggie) you might try my Roasted Broccoli and Swiss Quiche for breakfast or brunch. 

And keep this fun Broccoli Waldorf Salad recipe on hand for the warm weather months and all the picnics and barbecues around the corner

Take my word for it: Lemony Broccoli Pasta is a great spring dish that is simple, simple, simple! It’s filling, flavorful, and so easy to make (don’t forget – only one pan to get dirty)!

Patricia - Grab a Plate

Serves Serves 6

Lemony Broccoli Pasta
Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe

4.9 based on 13 review(s)

My Recipes My Lists My Calendar

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spiral or penne pasta
  • 1/2 large bunch of broccoli, stems trimmed and cut into florets
  • Juice of 1-1/2 lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large shallot, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to season
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Add the broccoli to a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch or two of salt and bring the water to a boil.
  2. Cook the broccoli for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it is soft but firm (don’t overcook or the broccoli will be mushy).
  3. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Reserve about 1-1/2 cups of the water used to cook the broccoli.
  5. Add the pasta to the pot and cook in the broccoli water. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the same pot on medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft.
  7. Add a small pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir.
  8. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the water.
  9. Allow the water to cook for a few minutes, then add the pasta back to the pot. Toss to combine.
  10. Add the remaining butter and olive oil and toss.
  11. Add the broccoli to the pot along with the lemon juice, and gently toss to combine.
  12. Add more black and red pepper flakes to taste.
  13. Serve immediately topped with grated parmesan cheese.
7.8.1.2
474
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/lemony-broccoli-pasta/

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: broccoli, broccoli and pasta recipes, easy pasta recipes, Lemon-broccoli pasta, main dish recipes, Meatless Monday, pasta recipes, vegetarian main dish recipes

« Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
Hearty Lentil-Mushroom Burgers »
Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Comments

  1. Beth says

    April 24, 2023 at 9:06 am

    This looks and sounds so light and delicious! I think it would be great with a roast chicken recipe that I make.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:14 pm

      That sounds great! Thank you, Beth!
      Reply
  2. Kushigalu says

    April 24, 2023 at 9:49 am

    Love the combination of flavors in this pasta recipe. Thanks for sharing.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      June 1, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Thank you! Hope you enjoy it again!
      Reply
  3. Jen says

    April 24, 2023 at 9:53 am

    i love the refreshing lemony flavor!! This is seriously amazing!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      June 1, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Thanks so much, Jen!
      Reply
  4. rebecca says

    April 24, 2023 at 9:55 am

    yum! I love pasta + broccoli + parm combo, it's so delicious and great textures. thanks for sharing
    ★★★★☆
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      June 1, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Rebecca!
      Reply
  5. Cara @ Street Smart Nutrition says

    April 24, 2023 at 10:10 am

    Came across this while looking for a simple pasta salad for spring that includes veggies. The perfect recipe for that!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Cara! Glad you enjoyed it!
      Reply
  6. Joanne says

    April 24, 2023 at 10:29 am

    This sounds so perfect for spring. Is there any reason I shouldn't cook the broccoli in the butter, shallot, and garlic instead of boiling it?
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks, Joanne! Cooking the broccoli in the water imparts flavor in the water (and subsequently the pasta). I also think the broccoli cooks a little nicer in the water. I wanted it a little soft, which the water helped with.
      Reply
  7. Gloria says

    April 24, 2023 at 10:46 am

    We could eat pasta every night for dinner. This is simple and so easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      Yes, so true! Thank you, Gloria!
      Reply
  8. Marta says

    April 24, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    I loved the bright lemony flavor of this broccoli pasta. We served it with grilled chicken and it was a wonderful side dish for our Sunday dinner.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      Thanks, Marta! Perfect with grilled chicken!
      Reply
  9. Bernice says

    April 24, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    I'm not much of a broccoli eater but you have me convinced. I think the trick is not to overcook the broccoli so it stays nice and green just like you did here. I think it would pair so nicely with lemon and spices too.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      Yes! Nothing great about mushy broccoli :) Thanks, Bernice!
      Reply
  10. Kathryn says

    April 25, 2023 at 8:03 am

    This lemon broccoli pasta is the perfect dish for summer because it's light and easy to make. I love how the broccoli is so delicious- even my daughter ate this. It made great leftovers too!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:09 pm

      Thanks, Kathryn! So glad you and your daughter enjoyed this!
      Reply
  11. Sean says

    April 25, 2023 at 10:20 am

    I love how this was such an easy and tasty pasta dish to make. I roasted my broccoli and it came out beautifully.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:09 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it, Sean. I love roasting broccoli!
      Reply
  12. Natalia says

    April 29, 2023 at 11:34 am

    I tried this lemon broccoli pasta for dinner tonight. It is truly wonderful, nothing is overpowering and not heavy on the stomach. Thank you so much for sharing.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:08 pm

      I'm so glad you liked it, Natalia! Cheers!
      Reply
  13. Lauren Michael Harris says

    April 30, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    I love how simple and delicious this lemon pasta recipe is. I'm making it again for meal prep next week - it's perfect for lunch!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:08 pm

      That's awesome! Glad you liked it!
      Reply
  14. Dennis says

    April 30, 2023 at 4:33 pm

    What a delightfully delicious pasta dish! The lemon really perked up the flavor. My family agrees this is five stars!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:08 pm

      Thanks so much, Dennis! Glad you and the family enjoyed it!
      Reply
  15. Kristina says

    April 30, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    I love lemon on broccoli, and this was so easy and delicious too. I served it with a side of homemade crusty bread with garlic topping for a complete meal.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:07 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, Kristina!
      Reply
  16. Madelyn says

    April 30, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    I make this lemon pasta when I don;t have a lot of time for dinner and it always turns out so good. With just simple ingredients, it's amazing how flavorful it turns out.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:07 pm

      Yes, lemon has that special power!
      Reply
  17. Hayley Dhanecha says

    May 1, 2023 at 1:54 am

    We love pasta and broccoli, made for our lunch yesterday. So delicious and easy to make.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 7, 2023 at 8:07 pm

      Glad you liked it! Thank you!
      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆


I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

Learn More...

Search

Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will
send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Featured On

See More >>

featured posts

Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad

Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Black Lentils & Mushrooms

Watermelon Berry Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

Copyright © 2013 - 2020 Grab A Plate · Logo by Response Creative · Disclosure and Privacy Policies
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email