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Lemon broccoli pasta in a skillet topped with freshly grated Parmesan and lemon wedges

20 Minute Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

A bright, satisfying one-skillet pasta loaded with fresh broccoli, wilted spinach, garlic butter, and Parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 462

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cup water quarts (12 cups total)
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
  • 1.5 lb fresh broccoli stems trimmed, florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed and minced
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 4 cup fresh spinach loosely packed
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more to garnish
  • 2 tbsp olive oil to drizzle
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 fresh lemon wedges to garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Small skillet
  • Colander or lid for draining
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

  1. Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large skillet or pot over high heat.
  2. While the water heats, trim the broccoli stems and cut the florets into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  3. Add the rotini to the boiling water and cook on high for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli, cover the pot, and set a timer for 3 more minutes, keeping the heat high enough to maintain a rolling boil. The broccoli should be bright green and just fork-tender when done.
  4. When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli using a lid or colander. Return everything to the pan immediately.
  5. Stir in 3 to 4 cups of fresh spinach. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts from the residual heat.
  6. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn.
  7. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Pour the lemon butter over the pasta and toss well to coat.
  8. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be served warm or at room temperature with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.