Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

If you’re after a quick, nourishing dinner that feels way more gourmet than it takes time for, you’ve got to try this Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together – tender pasta, bright broccoli, tangy lemon, and a cheesy, garlicky sauce that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you’re whipping up a fast weeknight meal or need a comforting dinner that won’t keep you tethered to the stove, this recipe is a total lifesaver.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part beautifully in this quick broccoli pasta with lemon and cheese recipe. The broccoli adds crunch and nutrients, lemon brightens with zest and juice, and the cheese brings that irresistible creaminess.

• Short Pasta: I like small shells, but any short pasta shape works great for catching the sauce.
• Broccoli: Use big heads if you can – they bulk up the dish and keep it fresh and green.
• Shredded Cheese: Go with something melty and flavorful like mozzarella or a mix.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon makes all the difference – avoid bottled if possible.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and ties the sauce together.
• Parmesan: Finely grated parmesan gives depth and umami.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds that savory punch.
• Mixed Dried Herbs: Or fresh herbs if you have them, to lift flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the heat to your liking or omit if you don’t want spice.
• Sugar: It balances the lemon acidity perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.

Variations

I love how adaptable this quick broccoli pasta with lemon and cheese recipe is. Feel free to swap out ingredients or bump up the flavors to suit your mood and what’s in your kitchen.

• Adding Protein: I sometimes toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal, and it never disappoints.
• Vegan Version: Swap the cheese for nutritional yeast and use a vegan parmesan alternative – it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Extra Veggies: Spinach or peas make great additions if you have them on hand and want to sneak in more greens.
• Spice it Up: Red pepper flakes can be increased for a lovely kick; I found a little heat really wakes up the lemon and cheese flavors.

How to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Prep Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and add about 2 teaspoons of salt. The salty water helps flavor the pasta from the inside out. Add your short pasta—small shells work great because they trap the sauce and cheese—and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Right before draining, toss in your broccoli florets to blanch them for 2-3 minutes; this way, they come out tender but still bright and slightly crisp. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, mixed herbs, and red pepper flakes, stirring gently until fragrant and golden—about 1-2 minutes, but don’t let the garlic burn. Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and a good handful of shredded cheese and parmesan. Adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from clumping and helps it melt evenly into a creamy sauce.

Step 3: Combine Everything with Pasta Water

Transfer the hot pasta and broccoli into the skillet with your lemony sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency – this starchy water is magic for creating a silky coating. Season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust the lemon or cheese as you like. The sauce should be bright, creamy, and just a touch spicy.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Dish it out straight away, topped with a sprinkle more parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon if you want to amp up that zing. This pasta is best enjoyed warm and fresh but holds up well if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!).

How to Serve Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this pasta with an extra grating of parmesan and a few fresh basil or parsley leaves if I have them on hand. A little cracked black pepper on top just before eating adds a subtle kick and freshness that complements the lemon beautifully.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes also make a colorful, sweet contrast that pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to plate this pasta in individual shallow bowls, sprinkle on fresh herbs, a few lemon slices for a pop of color, and drizzle a touch more olive oil. It instantly upgrades the humble dish and feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I rarely do!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta will soak up the sauce as it sits, so it’s best reheated with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the texture.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing this pasta is okay but the broccoli can get a little watery when thawed. If you want to freeze, do so in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of olive oil.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess without drying out the pasta. Alternatively, zap it in the microwave with a wet paper towel loosely covering the dish to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this quick broccoli pasta with lemon and cheese recipe, I was blown away by how a few simple ingredients could create such a fresh, satisfying meal in no time. It’s become one of my go-to pantry recipes because it’s fast, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do – it’s like a warm hug on a plate, with just the right zing of lemon and creamy cheesy goodness. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you.

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