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Easy 20-Minute Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Easy 20-Minute Broccoli Pasta

A quick weeknight pasta tossed with tender-crisp broccoli, garlic-infused olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, and black pepper. This recipe makes 4 servings in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli
  • 5 to 6 cups Broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 to 4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red-pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
  • 1/2 to 1 cup Reserved pasta water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta pot during the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender but not mushy.
  3. Reserve at least 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
  4. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and optional red-pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant without letting the garlic brown.
  5. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss with the Parmesan, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  6. Add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the olive oil, cheese, and lemon create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and olive oil.

Notes

Reserve the pasta water before draining because its starch helps the olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon form a smooth coating. Add broccoli during the last 3 to 4 minutes so it stays tender-crisp. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water.