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!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook alongside the pasta. Drain together and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat evenly in the lemon-garlic mixture.

Step 8

Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 9

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss the pasta until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1001.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2244.2

Total Fat 96.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 142mg	0%
Sodium 3836.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 275.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 89.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1104.2mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 795.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 47.4%