Description
This Warm Broccoli, Almond & Lemon Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Whole wheat pasta is combined with tender broccoli florets, toasted almonds, and a bright lemony dressing, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The optional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley add extra richness and freshness to the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Nuts & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Toast almonds: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they become golden brown without burning.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the toasted almonds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine pasta and flavorings: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the flavorful mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cheese and garnish: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to incorporate. Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a light sauce that binds the ingredients together.
- Toast the almonds carefully to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to omit Parmesan cheese to make the dish vegetarian.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
