Go Back

10-Minute Lemon Parmesan Broccoli Pasta

Bright, creamy lemon Parmesan pasta with quick-cooked broccoli. A fast, pantry-friendly meal that’s ready in about 10 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick & Easy Meals
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta penne or rotini
  • 3 cups broccoli florets small florets
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional but recommended
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Microplane or grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking time.
  3. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
  4. Return pasta and broccoli to the pot and add butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  5. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing until the sauce turns glossy and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

Tip: Finely grate Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the warm pasta water and creates a creamy sauce.