One-Pot Lemon Broccoli Pasta (Printable)

Tender broccoli and zesty lemon unite in a silky garlic sauce, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable broth or water
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk or plant-based milk

→ Flavorings

07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
08 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large, wide pot or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion if using, sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, but not browned.
02 - Add dried pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and milk to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
03 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a silky sauce.
04 - Stir in lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Remove from heat. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The starch from the pasta creates a silky creamy sauce without any heavy cream
  • Cleanup takes literally two minutes because everything happens in one vessel
  • Lemon and broccoli together taste like spring crashed into your bowl
02 -
  • Resist the urge to add more liquidthe pasta needs to cook almost dry to create that silky emulsified sauce
  • Stir more frequently than you think necessary especially toward the end when the sauce thickens
03 -
  • Use a pot with a wide surface area so the liquid reduces properly and the sauce thickens
  • Grate your lemon zest before juicing so you do not struggle to get it from a squeezed lemon
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