One-Pot Lemon Broccoli Pasta (Printable Version)

A vibrant pasta dish featuring broccoli, lemon, and garlic in a creamy sauce prepared in one pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
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 extra 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)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, if using, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent without browning.
02 - Add dried pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and milk to the pot. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil.
03 - Lower heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente and 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. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
06 - Plate while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh chopped herbs if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The starch from the pasta creates the most velvety sauce naturally, no cream needed
  • Everything cooks in one pot so you spend less time cleaning and more time eating
  • Lemon and broccoli make this feel light and fresh, even when you are craving carbs
02 -
  • Resist the urge to add more liquid if it looks soupy at first—the pasta will absorb most of it
  • Stir frequently during simmering or the milk can scorch on the bottom of the pot
  • Add the lemon at the very end, otherwise the acid can curdle the milk
03 -
  • Use a wide pot rather than a tall one—more surface area means faster evaporation and better sauce consistency
  • Grate your lemon zest before juicing so you do not accidentally squeeze out the aromatic oils
Go Back