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Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a bright, fresh, and wholesome one-pan meal combining tender pasta with crisp broccoli and vibrant lemon flavors. This easy-to-make dish offers a nutritious, delicious balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or light lunch.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3 quarts of water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 3 to 4 cups spinach
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed and minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
  • Olive oil for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pot, bring the salted water to a boil. While waiting, prepare your broccoli by trimming the stems and cutting the florets into bite-sized pieces. Add the rotini pasta and boil on high heat for 4 minutes. Then add the broccoli, cover the pot, and set a timer for 3 minutes, keeping the heat high enough to maintain a rolling boil. When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and drain the pasta using a lid or colander. Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the spinach. Sprinkle with lemon zest and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the spinach to wilt. Meanwhile, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. You can brown the butter if you like, but it’s not necessary. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to combine. Mix in 1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon wedges, and serve hot.