Description

This vibrant Lemon Broccoli Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines tender rotini, fresh broccoli, and spinach with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of crushed red pepper, this dish offers a bright, flavorful twist on classic pasta, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Water and Seasoning

3 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt

Pasta and Vegetables

1 pound rotini pasta
1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli (trimmed and cut into bite-size florets)
3-4 cups fresh spinach

Sauce and Flavorings

4 tablespoons butter
1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Cheese and Garnishes

1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Olive oil (to garnish)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Lemon wedges (fresh, to garnish)

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Instructions

Boil Water: In a large skillet or pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Prepare Broccoli: While waiting, trim the broccoli stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add the rotini to the boiling water and cook on high for 4 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, maintaining a rolling boil.
Drain: When cooking is complete, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli using a lid or colander.
Add Spinach: Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot. Stir in 3-4 cups fresh spinach.
Add Lemon Zest: Sprinkle with lemon zest and let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the spinach wilts gently.
Melt Butter: In a small skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Optionally, brown the butter slightly for nutty flavor.
Sauté Garlic and Pepper: Add the crushed garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture. Pour this lemon butter sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to combine.
Mix in Parmesan: Stir in 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a nuttier taste, brown the butter until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to control the spiciness.
You can substitute rotini with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.