Description
This quick and creamy Broccoli Pasta al Limone is a vibrant 20-minute recipe combining tender pasta, fresh broccolini, and a zesty lemon cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it balances rich flavors with a light, citrusy finish and a touch of Parmesan.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 250 g (½ lb) broccolini (chopped stalks and florets separated)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
Dairy
- 1 cup cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pantry
- 500 g (1 lb) pasta
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccolini stalks and set aside for cooking. Split larger florets in halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or until it is almost cooked through but still firm.
- Add Broccoli Florets: After 8 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Continue cooking until both pasta and broccoli are tender.
- Drain and Reserve Cooking Water: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly.
- Make the Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and broccolini stems, sauté for a few minutes until aromatic and tender.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Pour in the cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss well to coat. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, toss to combine, and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use broccolini or regular broccoli depending on availability.
- Cooking the broccoli florets with the pasta saves time and keeps the vegetables tender yet crisp.
- Adjust the cream quantity for a lighter or richer sauce based on preference.
- Reserve pasta water is key for achieving a silky sauce consistency.
- Serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side for added flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
