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Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pasta

A delightful and creamy pasta dish infused with fresh lemon and vibrant broccoli, perfect for any family gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for garnishing if desired
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for cooking) Use as needed for sautéing

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. In a large pot, boil water and add salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In the same pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm up (don't boil).
  4. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
  2. If the mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Final Seasoning
  1. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving
  1. Plate your Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pasta, and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy warm with loved ones!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently, adding water or cream if necessary to restore the sauce's creamy texture.