Oh my goodness, wait until you try this Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta! It’s one of those meals that’s not just easy to whip up, but it’s bursting with flavor and freshness. The combination of garlicky goodness with zesty lemon and tender broccoli is simply divine. I remember making this for a last-minute dinner with friends, and it was a total hit! Plus, it’s such a vibrant dish that feels light yet satisfying. You’ll love how quickly this comes together on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to recipe in my household. Seriously, let’s dive into this delightful creation!

Ingredients List

200g pasta (your choice, I love using spaghetti or fettuccine!)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen works too!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this—garlic is key!)
1 lemon, juiced and zested (the zest adds a punch of flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for that rich taste)
Salt to taste (I usually go a little light and adjust as needed)
Black pepper to taste (freshly cracked is my favorite)
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional but oh-so-delicious)

How to Prepare Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 200g of pasta. I usually cook it until it’s al dente, which is about 8–10 minutes, but be sure to check the package instructions for the perfect timing!
Now, here’s a little trick: with just 3 minutes left on the pasta, add your 2 cups of broccoli florets right into the pot. This way, they’ll cook perfectly without losing that beautiful bright green color!
Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them in a colander. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me, it’s going to be your secret weapon for creating a luscious sauce!
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit.
Now add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn—just until it’s fragrant and golden!
Next, add in your drained pasta and broccoli. Give them a good toss to coat them in all that garlicky goodness.
Now comes the fun part! Squeeze in the juice of your lemon and sprinkle in the zest, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you feel like it needs a little more moisture, add some of that reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until it reaches your desired sauciness.
Serve it up hot, and don’t forget to top with grated Parmesan cheese if you wish! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re working with!

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 5mg

Enjoy this light and healthy meal that’s not just bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a guilt-free dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Bright and vibrant flavors from the garlic and lemon
Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients and fiber
Customizable with your favorite pasta or veggies
Light yet satisfying, it’s a great guilt-free meal
One-pot dish means less cleanup—yay for that!

Tips for Success

To really nail this Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta, here are some of my go-to tips! First, if you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add an extra clove or two for a bolder flavor. Just be cautious not to let it burn while sautéing—burnt garlic can ruin the dish! Also, don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is the way to go for the perfect texture. If you want to add a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end—this dish should sing with flavor!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch things up with this Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta! You can easily add in other veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for a colorful twist. For a heartier meal, consider tossing in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. If you love a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. The best part? Each variation brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to keep that wonderful texture. Just add a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Stir occasionally, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again in no time!

Serving Suggestions

To really round out your meal, I love serving Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta with a light, crisp salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the pasta beautifully! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, some warm, crusty garlic bread is always a winner. You could also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables for an extra dose of color and flavor. Trust me, whatever you choose, it’ll make your pasta shine even brighter!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out our recipe collection!

For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.

To explore more about the nutritional value of broccoli, check out Healthline.

Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta: 7 Zesty Cooking Secrets

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful pasta dish with garlic, lemon, and broccoli.

Ingredients

Scale

200g pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the pasta pot.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving some pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
Mix in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
Adjust garlic amount to your taste.
Can add red pepper flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta

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