Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pasta coated in a bright lemon sauce with tender broccoli and hidden peas, creating a colorful and healthy meal kids request repeatedly. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 32 minutes pairs fettuccine, broccoli florets, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Steam 2 cups broccoli florets for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer to a bowl and add 1/2 cup frozen peas.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice and cook for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine, steamed broccoli, and peas to the skillet. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss for 2 minutes until heated through and coated with sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (12 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon Broccoli and Pea Pasta?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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