why make this recipe
Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli is a simple, delicious dish that brightens up any meal. The combination of creamy sauce, fresh broccoli, and the zing of lemon creates a taste that is both tasty and refreshing. It’s a great way to include vegetables in your diet and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. This pasta dish comes together quickly and easily, letting you enjoy a homemade meal without a lot of fuss.
how to make Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb Mafaldine pasta
- 3 tablespoons salty butter
- 1.5 cups broccoli, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zest
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lemon, juice
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Directions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente. Save some pasta water to the side after straining.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped broccoli and a pinch of flaky salt, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the diced garlic and cook for another minute until soft and fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Add the cooked pasta and the juice from half a lemon to the sauce, stirring well. If the sauce is too dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce is silky.
- Serve warm, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.
how to serve Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli
This pasta dish is best served warm and right after preparing. Plate it in shallow bowls and consider garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Pair it with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
how to store Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a bit of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.
tips to make Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm when you strain it.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to fit your taste preferences.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Don’t skimp on the Parmesan! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for an added boost. Additionally, swapping broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or spinach can give this dish a new twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving.
3. Is it possible to make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream and Parmesan with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Mafaldine Pasta with Lemon and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente. Save some pasta water to the side after straining.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped broccoli and a pinch of flaky salt, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the diced garlic and cook for another minute until soft and fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Add the cooked pasta and the juice from half a lemon to the sauce, stirring well.
- If the sauce is too dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce is silky.
- Serve warm, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.