Insanely Delicious Lemon Garlic Pasta with Broccoli and Pine Nuts

Lest you think I have quit cooking altogether, I thought it was time for a recipe post!  

And not just any recipe…this is sooooo good.  You should plan to make it, like, tonight.  

You might remember that recently I was in Southern California visiting my son at Westmont College, and making the rounds at friends’ homes.  It was so much fun!  I love California for many reasons, only one of which is eating all of the amazing, healthy foods there.  Seriously, California — you win.

One of our final nights there, Jonah and I stayed at the Thompson’s home in Ventura.  Roger grilled a mouth-watering tri-tip, and Melissa served up this delicious broccoli, pasta dish.  She used gluten free pasta, and I took one bite and knew that I could eat the entire serving bowl of it.  Seriously:  The flavor!!   Such a perfect blend of lemon, butter, garlic, a little salt from the parmesan…and — toasted pine nuts!?  Words cannot do this one justice.  

I asked Melissa for the recipe, which she credited to a book by the amazing Barefoot Contessa.  Then, soon after Jonah and I returned home to Hawaii, I had to make it for my family.  Everyone loved it.  Levi even ate the broccoli without complaints.  (that’s, like, a big deal.)   Also, the little bit that was left made for delicious leftovers — served heated up or cold, mixed with salad greens (my favorite because the sauce is so close to a salad dressing!)  

And because I knew you would like it too, I had to share the recipe here.  Hugs and kisses.  Please feel loved.

Here’s the printable recipe —

5 from 1 vote

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Lemon Garlic Pasta with broccoli and pine nuts

Course lunch or dinner

Prep Time 25 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 201 kcal

Ingredients

• 8 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 lb pasta of choice (gluten free is fine!)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp oilive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• zest of one lemon
• 1 tbsp freshly squeeze lemon juice
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 tsp kosher salt - and more to taste.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (and more to taste)
• freshly grated parmesan cheese as desired.

Instructions

1. Cook the broccoli for 3-5 minutes in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Remove broccoli from the water and place in a large bowl.

2. In the same water, cook the pasta according to package directions, about 12 minutes. Drain well and add to the brocolli.

3. In small saute pan, heat the butter and oil and cook the garlic and lemon zest over medium-low heat for about a minute. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pour this over the broccoli and pasta and toss well. Season with salt, toasted pine nuts and cheese. Serve warm!! Enjoy. 🙂

Nutrition Facts

Lemon Garlic Pasta with broccoli and pine nuts

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 201 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 14g88%

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 200mg9%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 700IU14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I hope you will pin it, make it, share it, eat it, and (of course) talk about it!!    

Leave me a comment to tell me if you make it!  Have a wonderful day and see you back here soon.  
PS  What kind of recipes are you in the mood for this spring?  I’m back in the game so I’m ready to try some new recipe creation soon!