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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
