Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon

This delightful pasta dish combines the fresh flavors of broccoli and lemon, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. The combination of fragrant garlic and zesty lemon peel elevates the dish, while the addition of crunchy almond flakes adds a delightful contrast to the tender pasta. A drizzle of olive oil and a hint of cayenne pepper enhance the overall taste, making this recipe both delicious and nutritious. Preparing this pasta is straightforward and quick, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients. You'll enjoy the refreshing and invigorating taste that the lemon provides, complemented by the savory notes from the parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. Pair it with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

400g pasta tubes
300g broccoli
1 lemon
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp almond flakes
5 tbsp vegetable broth
50g grated parmesan cheese

Spices:

Salt
White pepper
Cayenne pepper

Preparation Time

Total time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by washing and preparing the broccoli. Divide the broccoli into small florets and peel the stems, slicing them into thin rounds for even cooking.
Rinse the lemon under hot water, pat it dry, and finely grate the zest. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice, setting it aside for later use.
Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside for sautéing.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or as per package instructions.
Halfway through the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets and stems to the pot, allowing them to cook together.
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic in the heated oil until it becomes translucent and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the almond flakes to the pan with the garlic, cooking them until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth into the pan, stirring to combine with the almonds and garlic.
Season the sauce with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice for brightness, and add a pinch of salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked and tender, drain them using a colander and transfer them back to the pot.
Mix in the lemon zest with the pasta and broccoli. Stir well to ensure an even distribution.
Gradually pour the almond and garlic sauce over the pasta and broccoli, mixing everything to coat well.
If necessary, adjust the seasoning with additional white pepper and cayenne pepper to taste.
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture, stirring until the cheese melts and blends into the dish.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan or a fresh sprig of basil for added flavor and presentation.
For an extra citrusy note, consider adding a bit more lemon juice just before serving.

Tips

Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Techniques: To avoid soggy broccoli, ensure not to overcook it.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 15g
Fats: 16g
Carbohydrates: 65g

Variations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp garden salad.
Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a glass of chilled Chardonnay.

Best Places

Trattoria Il Pastaio - A cozy spot offering authentic pasta dishes in a warm ambiance. Location: 3rd Avenue, New York, USA.
Pasta e Alamore - Known for their fresh homemade pasta with unique sauces. Location: Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
Ristorante Da Vinci - Offers exquisite Italian fine dining with stunning views. Location: Victoria Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Café Pasta - Delivers creative pasta interpretations in a modern setting. Location: Poststrasse, Berlin, Germany.
Al Dente - A favorite for those seeking authentic flavors with contemporary twists. Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Pasta Espresso - Known for its quick service and delicious pasta options. Location: Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
The Pasta Place - A blend of tradition and innovation in each dish. Location: George Street, Edinburgh, UK.
Noodle & Pasta Bar - Features a fusion of Asian and Italian pasta inspirations. Location: Clarke Quay, Singapore.
La Trattoria - Offers a family-style dining experience with classic recipes. Location: Calle de Atocha, Madrid, Spain.
Pasta Factory - Known for their rustic and soulful pasta dishes. Location: Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.