Garlic Lemon Broccoli Penne
Elevate your midweek meals with this delightful Garlic Lemon Broccoli Penne. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is tossed with tender broccoli florets, aromatic garlic, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish. This flavorful one-dish wonder is not only quick to prepare but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken for those looking to add a protein boost. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe combines convenience and taste in every bite!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 cup (Low-sodium variety recommended for better flavor control.)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed for easier mixing.)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced.)
broccoli florets
3 cups (Fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces.)
hot cooked penne
4 1/2 cups (Cooked according to package instructions.)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
parmesan cheese
to taste (Freshly grated for serving.)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground for maximum flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, dried basil, minced garlic, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing the broccoli to steam for about 3 minutes, or until they are tender yet crisp.
3
Add the hot cooked penne pasta and lemon juice to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the garlic-broccoli mixture.
4
Serve immediately, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra dash of black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Lemon Broccoli Penne?
It is a quick and refreshing pasta dish that combines tender broccoli, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon juice for a satisfying midweek meal.
How many calories are in a serving of Garlic Lemon Broccoli Penne?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the recipe uses chicken broth, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting with vegetable broth.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken for those looking to add a protein boost.
How long does it take to steam the broccoli?
The broccoli should be steamed for about 3 minutes until it is tender yet crisp.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 cups of hot cooked penne pasta.
What type of broth is recommended?
A low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better flavor control.
How much fat is in this pasta dish?
The recipe contains approximately 2.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 22.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 5g of protein per serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
What cheese is suggested for serving?
The dish is best served with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What are the main seasonings used?
The main seasonings are dried basil (crushed) and freshly ground black pepper.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
You should use 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful one-dish wonder, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How do I ensure the broccoli doesn't overcook?
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet while steaming to keep it tender-crisp.
When do I add the pasta?
Add the hot cooked penne to the skillet after the broccoli has finished steaming.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the chicken broth mixture.
What temperature should the skillet be at the start?
The skillet should be set to medium heat to bring the broth mixture to a rolling boil.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, easy recipe that features fresh vegetables and lean broth.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
While penne is traditional for this recipe, other short pasta shapes would also work well.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Gently toss the pasta and lemon juice with the broccoli-garlic mixture to ensure even coating.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not specified for this particular recipe in the nutritional data provided.
Is fresh basil required?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
Can this be served cold?
The recipe is intended to be served immediately while the penne and broccoli are hot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this dish.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, ideal for saving time on busy evenings.