Imagine a dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the hearty comfort of perfectly cooked pasta, and the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli - all in just 25 minutes! This Warm Lemon Broccoli Pasta Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for quick inspiration, or someone who craves restaurant-quality meals at home, this Italian-inspired creation is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. This will blanch the broccoli, keeping it bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander. Rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the lemon and olive oil mixture.
- If the pasta salad seems dry, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to incorporate.
- Serve the warm lemon broccoli pasta salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente - it should have a slight bite. The reserved pasta water is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Broccoli Brilliance: By adding broccoli in the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, you'll preserve its vibrant green color and maintain a perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Dressing Dynamics: Whisk your olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic thoroughly to create an emulsified dressing that coats every pasta strand evenly.
- Cheese Wisdom: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the depth and can be dry.
- Temperature Tip: This dish is best served warm, not piping hot. Let it rest for a few minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by adding toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
