Lemon Broccoli Penne
Bright, zesty, and delightfully simple, Lemon Broccoli Penne is a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or light, satisfying meals. This recipe pairs tender penne and vibrant broccoli florets with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, creating the ultimate harmony of refreshing citrus and savory flavors. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes add richness and a subtle kick, while fresh parsley ties it all together with a pop of green. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is a wholesome blend of comfort and elegance, ideal for vegetarians or anyone craving a healthier twist on classic Italian-inspired cuisine. Serve it warm and don’t forget a generous grating of extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook alongside the pasta. Drain together and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat evenly in the lemon-garlic mixture.
Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss the pasta until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2244 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.2 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.5 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 3836 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.5 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 89.0 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1104 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 795 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
