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Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly balances vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a must-try for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties. This recipe showcases the fresh, zesty notes of lemon, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the earthy crunch of broccoli, creating a symphony of taste that is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Whether you are looking to whip up a quick meal after a long day or impress guests with a gourmet dish, Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta fits the bill with its simplicity and rich flavors.

Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Discover the joy of cooking with Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta, a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features the bright flavors of lemon, aromatic garlic, and crunchy broccoli, creating a wholesome meal that's easy to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this vegetarian dish can also be adapted for vegan diets. Enjoy a delightful burst of freshness and health benefits in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz linguine or spaghetti

3 cups broccoli florets

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

    Add Broccoli: When there are 3 minutes remaining on the pasta cooking time, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once the time is up, drain both the pasta and broccoli in a colander, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water for later use.

      Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to let it burn).

        Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the garlic oil coats the pasta and broccoli evenly.

          Add Lemon: Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and add the lemon zest. Mix everything thoroughly. If the dish appears dry, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it in at this stage and stir until it melts seamlessly into the pasta.

              Serve: Plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish each with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or additional grated Parmesan on top.

                Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, and savor the delightful flavors of your Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings