Broccoli Pasta Recipe: Fresh, Healthy, and Delicious!

Broccoli Pasta Recipe: Fresh, Healthy, and Delicious!

Are you looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Broccoli Pasta Recipe with Lemon is a quick and easy dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the wholesome goodness of broccoli. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta recipe or just want to add more veggies to your meals, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a light lunch.

Packed with nutritious ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is one of my go-to pasta dishes when I need something fast but don’t want to compromise on taste or health. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Pasta Recipe

You might be wondering, “What makes this recipe so special?” Well, it’s the perfect balance of fresh lemon, tender broccoli, and gluten-free pasta, all tossed together with a touch of garlic and olive oil. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet is packed with nutrients.

Perfect for All Dietary Needs

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s not only gluten-free but can easily be made grain-free and dairy-free too! Just swap out the Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese, or leave it out entirely for a vegan option. This dish is also soy-free and refined sugar-free, making it a great choice for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle.

Want more gluten-free dinner ideas? Be sure to check out my The Best Gluten-Free Pizza Crust and Best Vegetable Fritters Recipe for more inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Broccoli Pasta

This recipe requires simple, fresh ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Broccoli Pasta:

• Gluten-free pasta (I love using chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein)
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Lemon zest and juice (fresh lemons are a must for that zesty flavor!)
• Garlic cloves (finely minced)
• Olive oil (for sautéing and adding richness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Dairy-free Parmesan (optional, but adds a lovely cheesy flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley (adds a burst of color and freshness)
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (for extra crunch)
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water is key to achieving a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

If you’re new to gluten-free cooking, check out my Top Gluten-Free Baking Tips: From Crumbly to Delicious for more tips on making the best gluten-free meals.

2. Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch your fresh broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green. You want them to retain a bit of bite for texture. You can do this by adding the broccoli to the boiling pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, or by using a steamer basket over boiling water.

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, try roasting the broccoli instead of steaming it. Roasting gives it a delicious caramelized flavor and crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

3. Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

For more delicious ways to incorporate garlic into your meals, check out Serious Eats – The Science of Garlic Cooking for all things garlic!

4. Combine the Pasta and Broccoli

Add the drained pasta, cooked broccoli, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet with the garlic. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. This pasta water trick helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making each bite deliciously coated.

For more lemony recipes, be sure to explore BBC Good Food – Lemon Recipes for inspiration.

5. Season and Serve

Season your broccoli pasta with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. If you like, sprinkle in some dairy-free Parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with additional toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch.

Why Broccoli and Lemon Make a Power Combo

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits too! Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s particularly high in vitamin C, which, when combined with the lemon juice, boosts your immune system and supports healthy skin.

Lemon, of course, adds that bright, zesty flavor we love, but did you know it also helps with digestion and can alkalize the body? For more on the benefits of lemons, visit Healthline – Benefits of Lemon.

Recipe Notes and Variations

• Pasta Options: I recommend using gluten-free chickpea or lentil pasta for an extra protein boost, but any gluten-free pasta will work. For grain-free options, try cassava or almond flour pasta.
• Add Protein: Want to make this dish heartier? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a boost of protein. You can also toss in some tofu for a plant-based option.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, feel free to skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese.

For more healthy dinner ideas, don’t miss my Vegan Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies for dessert.

Cost Breakdown of Broccoli Pasta with Lemon

Ingredient	Cost (Approx.)
Gluten-Free Pasta	$3.00
Broccoli	$2.50
Lemon	$0.75
Garlic	$0.25
Olive Oil	$0.50
Salt, Pepper, Spices	$0.25
Total	$7.25

This budget-friendly recipe comes in at just $7.25, making it an affordable and delicious dinner option for the whole family!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Steamer basket (or a pot for blanching)
• Large skillet
• Colander for draining pasta
• Zester for the lemon zest
• Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Carbs	45g
Protein	10g
Fat	12g
Fiber	8g

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to keep the pasta from drying out.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Definitely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just be sure to thaw and cook it before adding it to the pasta.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you use dairy-free Parmesan or leave it out. Looking for more vegan inspiration? Try my Best Classic Cheesecake Recipe for a sweet vegan dessert option.

Final Thoughts on Broccoli Pasta with Lemon

If you’re looking for a fresh, light, and healthy pasta recipe that’s gluten-free and full of flavor, this Broccoli Pasta Recipe with Lemon is exactly what you need. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

For more gluten-free meal ideas, be sure to check out King Arthur Baking – Gluten-Free Pasta Tips or my other recipes like The Best Coconut Flakes Recipe and Best Classic Gluten-Free Cheesecake.

And don’t forget to tag @NotAllRecipes when you share your beautiful creations on social media!

Recap of the recipe

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