Imagine a dinner that's creamy, zesty, and ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup - sounds too good to be true? This One Pot Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pasta is about to become your culinary superhero! Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without the hassle, this Italian-inspired dish combines the bright tang of lemon, the richness of coconut milk, and the wholesome goodness of broccoli in one magical pot. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with a recipe that's as easy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 lemon (juiced and zested), 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, add the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the pasta of your choice to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After about 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the coconut milk, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until fully combined.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the coconut milk mixture into the pot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta and broccoli are well coated.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and is heated through.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute. This will help the sauce thicken even more.
- Before serving, give the pasta a final stir and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve the One Pot Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pasta warm, and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best for one-pot recipes as they cook evenly.
- Don't overcook your broccoli: Add it midway through pasta cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Use fresh lemon: The zest and juice are key to creating that bright, fresh flavor profile.
- Stir occasionally: This prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a minute after cooking: This helps the sauce thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- If coconut milk isn't your preference, you can substitute with heavy cream or a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
