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