Ingredients
Pasta and Broccoli
- 350g / 12 oz dried short pasta (small shells recommended)
- 2 large broccoli heads
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (any cheese you prefer, more if desired)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (add more for spiciness)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Extra parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions.
- Chop broccoli: While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli into small florets to ensure quick cooking and even distribution in the dish.
- Cook broccoli: About 1 to 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the chopped broccoli florets directly into the boiling pasta water to blanch until tender but still crisp.
- Prepare sauce ingredients in jar: In a jar with a lid, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, mixed dried herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake well to emulsify and blend flavors.
- Reserve pasta water: Just before draining the pasta and broccoli, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli and return them to the pot with the stove turned off.
- Add pasta water to sauce: Pour 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water into the sauce jar, screw the lid back on, and shake vigorously to combine and loosen the sauce.
- Combine sauce and cheese with pasta: Pour the shaken sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese into the pot with the pasta and broccoli.
- Finish and serve: Stir everything vigorously to coat pasta evenly. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen broccoli heads is fine; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Small shell pasta works best for capturing the sauce but feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to taste for a brighter or milder citrus flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add more shredded cheese or a splash of cream.
- Reserve some pasta water carefully as it helps bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully.
- Add red pepper flakes gradually to control heat level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently with a little milk or pasta water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
