Recipe Overview
- Servings: 2–3 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 9 oz short pasta (orecchiette or similar)
- 1 whole broccoli
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Boil the Water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
Cut off the thick bottom of the broccoli stem. Separate the florets into small pieces and finely chop the stem so everything cooks evenly.
3. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender but still bright and slightly firm. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the water in the pot.
4. Cook the Pasta
Bring the same water back to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
5. Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning — add a splash of pasta water if needed.
6. Create the Broccoli Base
Add the cooked broccoli to the pan. Mash part of it with a spoon while leaving some chunks intact for texture.
7. Build the Sauce
Pour in ½ to 1 cup reserved pasta water and stir. The broccoli will begin transforming into a light, creamy sauce.
8. Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta directly into the pan and mix well so it absorbs all the flavors.
9. Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
10. Finish & Serve
Season with black pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
💡 Additional Notes
🔥 Pro Tips for Best Texture
- Mash only part of the broccoli to create a balance of creamy and chunky texture
- Use the same cooking water for added flavor and natural starchiness
- Keep heat low when adding Parmesan to avoid clumping
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency
🥡 Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
📊 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 18–22g
- Carbs: 55–60g
- Fat: 18–22g
