Pin This 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 recipe brings together some of my favorite flavors for a quick and delicious meal that always impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- Garlic: 8 cloves garlic, peeled (whole)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
- Angel hair pasta: 340 g (12 oz)
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare broccoli and garlic:
- 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.
- Roast:
- Roast for 18–20 minutes, tossing halfway, until broccoli is tender and lightly charred, and garlic is soft and golden.
- Cook pasta:
- 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.
- Mash garlic:
- Transfer roasted garlic to a cutting board and mash with a fork.
- Combine ingredients:
- 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.
- Add liquids and cheese:
- 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.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pin This Our family loves gathering around this meal especially on busy weeknights when I need something fast but hearty.
Notes
Substitute broccolini or asparagus for broccoli for variation. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
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.
Pin This This roasted garlic lemon broccoli pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that never disappoints.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect roasted broccoli texture?
Roast broccoli florets at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and lightly charred for a crisp-tender bite.
- → Can I substitute angel hair pasta with other types?
Yes, thin spaghetti or capellini work well as alternatives, maintaining a delicate pasta texture.
- → What is the best way to soften whole garlic cloves?
Roasting the garlic alongside broccoli until golden and soft allows easy mashing and mellows its flavor.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency if it feels too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the mixture and create a creamy coating on the pasta.
- → Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?
Omit Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the lemon and roasted flavors.