One-Pot Lemon Broccoli Pasta (Print View)

Bright spring-inspired pasta with tender broccoli, zesty lemon, and creamy garlic sauce cooked together in one pot.

# 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)

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large, wide pot or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion if using, sauté for 1–2 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 10–12 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 2–3 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce creates itself while the pasta cooks, no separate roux or saucepan needed
  • Bright lemon cuts through the richness, making each bite feel light and fresh
02 -
  • Stir frequently during the simmer, especially toward the end when the liquid reduces and the starch becomes thick
  • The sauce continues to thicken off the heat, so do not worry if it looks slightly thinner than you want when you first remove it from the stove
03 -
  • Use a wide pot or deep skillet rather than a tall narrow one, which allows the liquid to reduce more evenly and helps prevent sticking
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese, which melts better and creates a smoother sauce
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