Description
This Lemon Zest Broccoli Pasta features penne, broccoli, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce with bright lemon flavor. It’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g (10.5 oz) Penne Pasta: Use a high-quality pasta for best texture.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) Broccoli Florets: Fresh, bright green florets are ideal.
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil preferred.
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced for aromatic flavor.
- 200 ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a velvety texture.
- 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan Cheese: Grated, halal-certified for wider appeal.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Use only the yellow part of the peel.
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for tangy brightness.
- ¼ tsp Red-Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of spice.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season generously.
- 30 g (1 oz) Pine Nuts, Toasted: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 Tbsp (8 g) Parsley, Chopped: Fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Boil pasta and blanch broccoli during the last 3 minutes; reserve pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat oil, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Make Creamy Base: Add cream, lemon zest, and juice; whisk until thickened.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add Parmesan, season, and whisk until smooth.
- Combine & Adjust: Toss pasta, broccoli, and sauce; add pasta water if needed.
- Create Lemon Ribbon: Drizzle sauce for a visually appealing effect.
- Serve & Garnish: Garnish with pine nuts, parsley, and lemon zest.
Notes
Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor. Blanching broccoli preserves color and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boil, Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg