Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta

$- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil The main ingredients make this dish simple yet tasty. You can choose either spaghetti or linguine for the pasta. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Garlic gives a bold flavor, while olive oil makes everything rich. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) Adding optional ingredients can boost the flavor. Red pepper flakes give a little heat. The zest and juice of lemon provide brightness and freshness. Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and umami. You can swap it for a vegan cheese if you prefer. - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Seasoning is key for great taste. Add salt and black pepper to balance flavors. Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch as a garnish. It also makes your dish look beautiful on the plate. 1. Bring salted water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. 2. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente: Add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to have a slight bite. 3. Add broccoli florets for the last 3 minutes: When the pasta has about three minutes left, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. This cooks the broccoli perfectly without losing its bright green color. 1. Heat olive oil and add minced garlic: While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown. 2. Infuse with red pepper flakes if using: If you want some heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This step brings a nice kick to the sauce. 1. Toss cooked pasta and broccoli with sauce: Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them. Add them to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together to coat. 2. Add lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water: Squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon into the mix. Also add the lemon zest. If the pasta looks dry, pour in some reserved pasta water gradually. 3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper: Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything until it’s well mixed and heated through. - Cooking pasta al dente: To get the best texture, cook your pasta just until it is tender but firm. Follow the package instructions, but check it a minute early. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. - Perfectly blanching broccoli for color and crunch: Blanch the broccoli by adding it to the boiling pasta water in the last three minutes of cooking. This step keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp. Drain them both together for easy cleanup. - Suggestions for additional spices: You can add spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. If you like herbs, try adding oregano or basil. These spices add depth and extra flavor to your dish. - Alternative cheeses or vegan options: Instead of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. For vegan options, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well. Nutritional yeast is another great choice for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Pairing with proteins: This pasta goes great with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can simply season and grill them for a tasty combo. For a meat-free option, try adding sautéed tofu or chickpeas for protein. - Best sides to complement the dish: Serve your pasta with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette matches well, balancing the richness of the pasta. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type in this dish. Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you need that option. Instead of broccoli, you can use other veggies. Asparagus adds a nice crunch, while spinach gives a soft touch. Both will make your dish colorful and tasty. If you want a vegan version, look for dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great alternatives that melt nicely. You can also add plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils. They will boost nutrition and flavor. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Chicken works well when grilled or sautéed. Shrimp cooks fast and soaks up flavors. Tofu is a great option, especially when marinated. Marinate chicken or shrimp in lemon juice and garlic. This will enhance the taste and make every bite delicious. To store your Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop. It helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. If you use a microwave, cover it loosely. Heat it in short intervals to avoid overcooking. You can freeze this dish for meal prep. Let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, you can use the microwave on low. Reheat until it’s warm all the way through. Yes, you can. Broccoli is just one choice. Try asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers. Each veggie adds a unique taste. Carrots and zucchini also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Options include rice, corn, or quinoa pasta. These types cook well and taste great. Always check the package for cooking times. You have options if you need a substitute. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor. Vegan cheese works too; just pick your favorite. You can also use ground cashews for creaminess. Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes to the oil. You can also use crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños. Each adds a different level of spice. Adjust to your taste. This blog covered a simple, tasty pasta dish with broccoli and garlic. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and ways to enhance flavor. You can easily swap ingredients for variety and store leftovers for later. Remember, adjusting spices and protein options can make this dish your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Trust me, this pasta dish will delight your taste buds!$

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Try this Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta that’s bursting with flavor! Made with spaghetti, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce, it’s an easy dish that's sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. Click through for the full recipe and make your dinner delightful tonight! #PastaRecipes #HealthyEating #LemonGarlic #BroccoliDelight

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Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

2 cups broccoli florets

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Blanch the Broccoli: In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. If using red pepper flakes, add them now to infuse the oil with heat.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.

Finish the Dish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and plate the pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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