Quick Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Lemon broccoli pasta in two bowls with spoon.

Bursting with fresh, bright flavor, this Lemon Broccoli Pasta is one of our absolute favorite fast meals. It's ready in less than 20 minutes, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli, and it's perfect for little kids and us adults.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Servings

Calories 304kcal

Author Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
8 ounces stelline pasta (or star pasta or orzo)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
additional Parmesan cheese, salt, and/or pepper (optional to taste)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes, or until the stalks are tender when poked with a knife. Transfer broccoli to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Mince with kitchen scissors.
Add the pasta to the broccoli cooking water and cook according to package directions. Drain.
Return the pasta to the pot with the broccoli. Add the butter, Parmesan, and lemon. Stir to combine well. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired and add salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through, to warm.
Sub in gluten-free orzo or other pasta as needed.
Use nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan and olive oil in place of the butter to make this dairy-free.
Add white beans, peas, diced chicken, or shrimp to the pasta if desired.
Look for stelline or orzo at your supermarket, or you can shop for it online. (Any shape works with this recipe, though we prefer small shapes so the broccoli and pasta is the same size for easy eating with a spoon.)

Nutrition