![- 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. - 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. 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. 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. 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. 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]. 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ddce75e4-ebe4-47ae-bf12-aa0afc7c568e-250x250.webp)
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!