Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti
Bright and fresh spaghetti tossed with tender broccoli florets, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple and tasty family-friendly pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, broccoli florets, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes. Add 2 cups broccoli florets to the pot and cook together for 3 more minutes until both pasta and broccoli are tender. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet along with 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti?
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 Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti 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 Lemony Broccoli and Garlic Spaghetti?
Italian 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.
