Save to Pinterest A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender angel hair tossed with roasted broccoli, sweet garlic, and a zesty lemon finish. Light yet satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fresh lunch.
This dish combines the nutty flavor of roasted garlic with bright lemon and tender broccoli. It's a fast favorite in our family and has become my go-to vegetarian pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli: cut into small florets
- 8 cloves garlic: peeled (whole)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil:
- Zest of 1 lemon:
- Juice of 1 lemon:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: chopped (optional)
- 340 g (12 oz) angel hair pasta:
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: plus more for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Toss broccoli florets and whole garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Roast for 18 20 minutes, tossing halfway, until broccoli is tender and lightly charred, and garlic is soft and golden.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Step 5:
- Transfer roasted garlic to a cutting board and mash with a fork.
- Step 6:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add mashed garlic, roasted broccoli, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
- Step 7:
- Pour in lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen, if needed. Add Parmesan cheese and toss again until well combined and creamy.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest Making this meal always brings my family together around the table for an easy and delicious dinner.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, large pot, colander, large skillet, zester/microplane, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (Parmesan). For gluten-free, use gluten-free angel hair pasta. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a substitute. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 56 g. Protein: 12 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest This quick and fresh pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly menu.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I roast broccoli for this dish?
Cut broccoli into small florets, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F until tender and lightly charred, about 18–20 minutes.
- → Can I substitute angel hair pasta with other types?
Yes, fine pastas like thin spaghetti or capellini work well as a substitute without altering cooking times significantly.
- → What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
Roasting whole peeled garlic cloves alongside broccoli softens their pungency and adds a sweet, mellow flavor when mashed into the pasta.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to maintain creaminess without dairy.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh lemon and roasted broccoli flavors perfectly.
- → How to adjust seasoning if the dish tastes bland?
Add a pinch more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.