Easy One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli
This one-pot pasta with broccoli, garlic, and lemon is my version of fast food—delicious, nutritious, and ready in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and healthy.
6 people
Calories: 241kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta
- 4 cups of broccoli cut into pieces
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons of vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- zest of a lemon
- juice of a lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red chili pepper
- Parmesan cheese I use vegan Violife brand
Instructions
- Boil the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes, then remove and set aside. For bright, crunchy broccoli, immediately transfer to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- Make the Flavorful Sauce: In a pan (or back in the same pot), heat the vegan butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest over medium heat. Cook for about a minute—just long enough to soften the garlic but not brown it. Add the red chili flakes if you like a little kick.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the saved pasta water, salt (about 2 teaspoons), pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then toss in the pasta and broccoli. Mix gently, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, topped with your choice of pine nuts, hemp seeds, or vegan Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Ingredient Swap: Feel free to swap out broccoli for asparagus, mushrooms, or cauliflower.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a bit of vegan cream or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
- Storage: This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 615IU | Vitamin C: 65.3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg