Lemony Broccoli and Parmesan Fusilli
A bright and simple pasta dish featuring tender steamed broccoli, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese for a fresh, kid-friendly meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fusilli pasta, chopped broccoli florets, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 3 cups, chopped broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 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 12 oz fusilli pasta and 3 cups chopped broccoli florets to the boiling water. Cook together for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In the same pot over medium heat, warm 3 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot. Add 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the mixture.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and coating the pasta evenly. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemony Broccoli and Parmesan Fusilli take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Parmesan Fusilli?
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 fusilli pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemony Broccoli and Parmesan Fusilli?
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 Parmesan Fusilli 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.
Is Lemony Broccoli and Parmesan Fusilli vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
