Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

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There is something truly uplifting about a bright, fresh pasta dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. That is exactly what the Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe delivers—a vibrant meal packed with crisp broccoli florets, tender spinach, and a luscious lemon-infused butter sauce, all hugged by perfectly cooked rotini. This recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this pasta will soon become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming the palate. These are familiar pantry staples and fresh produce that come together in effortless harmony.

• 3 quarts water: The perfect amount for boiling pasta thoroughly without sticking.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water, bringing out the flavors in the dish.
• 1 & 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli: Adds a vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• 1 pound rotini pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for catching the buttery lemon sauce.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky sauce base and adds rich creaminess.
• 1 large lemon (zested and juiced): Brightens the dish with its tangy, fresh citrus notes.
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced): Infuses the sauce with a subtle aromatic depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the zing of lemon.
• 3-4 cups fresh spinach: Wilts into the hot pasta, contributing a tender leafy component.
• 1 cup Parmesan (freshly grated, plus more to garnish): Brings umami richness and melts beautifully in the sauce.
• Olive oil (to garnish): Adds a glossy finish and a fruity flavor contrast.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Tailors the seasoning perfectly to your liking.
• Lemon wedges (fresh, to garnish): Provides an extra splash of brightness at the table.

How to Make Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Base

Start by bringing 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large skillet or pot. This salty water is the secret to perfectly seasoned pasta that carries the flavors seamlessly.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the water heats, trim the celery-like stems off your fresh broccoli and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. This prep ensures the broccoli cooks evenly and stays pleasantly crisp-tender after boiling.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Add your rotini to the boiling water and cook on high for 4 minutes. Then, toss in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and set a timer for 3 more minutes. Keeping the water at a full boil lets the broccoli soften just enough without losing its vibrant green color.

Step 4: Drain and Return to Pan

When the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli together using a lid or colander. Return the drained mixture to the pot—the cozy home for the flavorful finishing touches.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach with Lemon Zest

Sprinkle 3 to 4 cups of fresh spinach over the steaming pasta and broccoli, then add the lemon zest. Letting it sit for a few minutes gently wilts the spinach, preventing any raw bite and adding a lovely fresh note.

Step 6: Create the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the greens soften, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. For a deeper flavor, let the butter brown slightly, but this step is optional if you prefer a cleaner butter taste.

Step 7: Infuse Garlic and Heat

Add the crushed garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. The garlic aroma forms the flavorful backbone of your sauce.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce with Lemon Juice

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, balancing the richness of the butter with bright citrus tang.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the lemon butter sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and spinach mixture. Stir to coat every nook and cranny, allowing the sauce to meld perfectly with each ingredient.

Step 10: Add Parmesan and Season

Sprinkle in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle a bit of olive oil. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper to taste—this step rounds out the flavors and gives the dish its irresistible savory character.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish your masterpiece with extra Parmesan and fresh lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm, aromatic, and ready to delight.

How to Serve Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few final touches like a sprinkling of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of vibrant olive oil will take this dish to the next level. Lemon wedges are a must-have for anyone who loves an extra burst of freshness with each bite—squeezing a bit right before eating awakens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines as a hearty vegetarian main, but it also pairs beautifully with a light protein like grilled chicken or salmon. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread make excellent companions that round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, serve the Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe straight from a large bowl, letting guests help themselves to the vibrant colors and inviting aromas. Alternatively, plate it neatly for a more elegant presentation—twirl the rotini with a fork in the center of each dish, then artfully add garnishes for visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pasta stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken, so it’s a good idea to add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to restore its luscious texture.

Freezing

While freezing pasta with a delicate lemon butter sauce is possible, it may alter the texture slightly upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently and adding a bit of liquid such as olive oil or water to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too but can make the spinach a bit limp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?

Absolutely! While rotini is excellent for holding onto the lemon butter sauce, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well and create a slightly different but still delicious experience.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan-style cheese in place of the traditional Parmesan. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be a bit different but still very tasty.

How can I make the broccoli more crisp?

If you prefer your broccoli crispier, reduce the cooking time slightly when boiling it. You can also steam it separately to control how tender it gets before adding it to the pasta.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?

You can chop the broccoli and mince the garlic ahead of time to save a few minutes on the day. Cooking pasta fresh is best, but you could boil it slightly under al dente and reheat with the sauce when ready to serve for convenience.

What wine pairs best with this lemony pasta?

A crisp white wine with bright acidity such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus and fresh greens beautifully, enhancing the clean and refreshing flavors of the dish.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the fresh zing of lemon combined with bright green vegetables and creamy Parmesan to bring a pasta dish to life. This Lemon Broccoli Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is a perfect example of simple ingredients working together to create something remarkable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this pasta is sure to become a beloved staple that brightens your table and your mood. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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