One-Pot Lemon Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)

Bright, spring-inspired pasta with tender broccoli, zesty lemon, and silky garlic sauce cooked in one pot.

# What to Use:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable broth or water
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk or plant-based milk

→ Flavorings

07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
08 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, wide pot over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, avoiding browning.
02 - Add dried pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and milk to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring mixture to a rolling boil.
03 - Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid reduces to a silky sauce consistency.
04 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Distribute into serving bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce creates itself while the pasta cooks, meaning less dishes and more flavor
  • Fresh lemon cuts through the richness making every bite feel balanced and light
  • Everything happens in one pot, so cleanup is literally just washing one vessel
02 -
  • The liquid will look dangerously soupy at first but trust the process, it reduces and thickens beautifully
  • Stir more frequently than you think you need to, especially toward the end when the sauce is thickening
  • Gluten-free pasta absorbs liquid differently, so you may need to add a splash more water or broth
03 -
  • Use a pot that's wider than it is tall for faster evaporation and better sauce reduction
  • Room temperature broth and milk help everything come to temperature more evenly
  • Add the red pepper flakes right at the end to preserve their bright heat
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