Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta Tasty and Simple Dish

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Here’s the perfect dish: Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With fresh broccoli, zesty lemon, and garlic, this pasta dish is both healthy and satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and unlock a delicious dinner option!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti

– 2 cups broccoli florets

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

When I make Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta, I follow this ingredient list closely. Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The whole wheat spaghetti provides a hearty base. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright color. Garlic gives the dish its signature flavor.

The red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, which I love. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Lemon zest and juice brighten everything up. The Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast adds creaminess and umami. Finally, parsley brings a fresh finish.

Nutritional Information

– Calories per serving: Roughly 350

– Macronutrient breakdown:

– Protein: 12g

– Carbs: 50g

– Fats: 12g

This dish can fit many diets. You can make it vegan by using nutritional yeast. Plus, with whole wheat pasta, it’s a good source of fiber. This helps keep you full longer.

For those who need gluten-free options, make sure to select a gluten-free pasta. You can enjoy this meal while staying healthy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 oz of whole wheat spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. This will blanch the broccoli perfectly. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, making sure to reserve some pasta water for later.

Preparing the Garlic Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). Sauté this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown.

Combining Ingredients

After draining the pasta and broccoli, add them directly into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together gently. Mix well to coat the pasta and broccoli with the garlic sauce. If it seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach your desired creaminess.

Adding Flavor Enhancements

Now, it’s time to boost the flavor! Pour in 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the zest from 1 lemon. Mix this into the pasta and broccoli. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option). Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference.

For the full recipe, you can check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To cook pasta perfectly, focus on timing. Always add salt to boiling water. This helps flavor the pasta. Follow package instructions for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes. Check for al dente by tasting it. The pasta should be firm but not hard.

When adding broccoli, do this in the last 3 minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright green and tender. It also blends well with the pasta.

Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long. To avoid this, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir often and cook for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so it does not brown.

Flavor Enhancements

You can easily boost the dish’s flavor by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. Cook the protein separately and mix it in with the pasta at the end.

If you like spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. This can give your dish a nice kick. Start with a little and taste as you go.

Presentation Suggestions

Garnishing makes your dish look great. Use fresh parsley for a pop of color. Chopped parsley also adds a fresh taste.

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Add lemon wedges on the side. This lets your guests add more lemon if they want. A sprinkle of extra cheese can make it even better. For more details, check out the Full Recipe for Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta.

Variations

Vegan Adaptation

To make this dish vegan, you can swap a few key ingredients. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast. It gives a similar cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also choose plant-based pasta to keep it vegan. Whole wheat spaghetti works well, but lentil or chickpea pasta adds protein.

Gluten-free Options

Finding gluten-free pasta is easy today. Look for options made from rice, quinoa, or corn. Brown rice pasta is a great choice. It cooks well and holds flavor nicely. Remember to check the package for cooking times, as they may vary.

Seasoning Changes

You can change the flavor by trying different herbs and spices. Fresh basil adds a sweet touch. Oregano gives a warm, earthy taste. For a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes. You could also try herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique spin. Experimenting with these options can make the dish even more fun and tasty!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

To keep your Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat on medium until warm. Stir often to keep it moist. For the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

Freezing Guidance

You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before adding cheese. Freeze the pasta and broccoli in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove, adding cheese just before serving. This keeps the texture nice and creamy.

FAQs

How long does Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta last in the fridge?

Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents sogginess.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap in many vegetables. Try using spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Each adds a different taste and texture. Just cook them similarly to the broccoli. This way, you keep the dish colorful and nutritious.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in portions. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start small, then taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level to your liking. For a fiery kick, serve with crushed red pepper on top.

This blog post covers a tasty Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. I shared how to adjust flavors, storage, and variations to suit your needs. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Incorporating fresh ingredients makes meals better. Enjoy exploring this recipe and making it your own!

Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta

Discover a fresh and flavorful Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta that’s quick to make and packed with wholesome ingredients! This delightful dish combines whole wheat spaghetti, vibrant broccoli, and aromatic garlic, all brought together with tangy lemon and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it's a recipe the whole family will love. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a burst of lemony goodness to your table!

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Ingredients

  

8 oz whole wheat spaghetti

2 cups broccoli florets

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot, allowing them to blanch with the pasta.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the mixture for around 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to soften, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.

Combine Ingredients: Once the spaghetti and broccoli are cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the remaining water. Add the drained spaghetti and broccoli directly into the skillet with the garlic-infused oil.

Add Lemon and Cheese: Pour the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Toss the pasta and broccoli together until everything is well mixed. If the dish appears dry, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency—this will enhance the creaminess of the dish.

Finish with Flavor: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), mixing well to ensure that it's evenly distributed. Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference.

Serve: Transfer the vibrant pasta to serving bowls, and top with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and a fresh flavor contrast.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with extra lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to add more zest if desired, along with a sprinkle of additional cheese if they prefer.