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Introduction: Ready for a Quick, Zesty Pasta Dish?

Craving a fresh, flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? This 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is your perfect choice! Featuring tender casarecce pasta tossed with vibrant broccolini, a creamy lemon-infused sauce, nutty Parmesan, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is a delightful balance of bright and savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or cozy dinners, it’s inspired by your love for vibrant, veggie-forward dishes like Abundance Kale Salad and Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto diets, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Ready to whip up a zesty pasta in just 15 minutes? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

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Overview: Why 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is a Must-Try

This Lemony Broccolini Pasta combines al dente pasta with a creamy, lemony sauce and crisp broccolini, topped with pine nuts and fresh basil for a quick yet elegant meal. The one-pan sauce and fast cooking time make it ideal for busy days. What makes it special? It’s a vegetarian dish that’s ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for showcasing fresh ingredients, and adaptable for keto or gluten-free diets, offering a bright, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Time Requirement: About 15 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking).
Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or quick meals.
Why It’s Special: It’s a vegetarian, fast pasta dish with zesty, creamy flavors.

This broccolini pasta is a quick, flavorful treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta. Each ingredient adds to the creamy, zesty, and crunchy magic.

Casarecce Pasta (1 lb, or other short pasta): Provides a chewy, sauce-catching base.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Adds richness and aids sautéing.
Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp): Enhances flavor with a silky touch.
Broccolini (1 lb, roughly chopped): Offers tender, slightly sweet crunch.
Garlic (2 cloves, thinly sliced): Brings bold, savory depth.
Lemon (Zest and Juice of 1): Adds bright, tangy freshness.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, grated): Adds nutty, umami richness.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors.
Pine Nuts (½ cup): Provide crunchy, nutty texture.
Fresh Basil (3 Tbsp, chopped): Infuses vibrant, herbaceous flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Casarecce Pasta: Swap with penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta; use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for keto (~3–4g net carbs per serving).
Broccolini: Replace with broccoli, asparagus, or spinach for similar green crunch.
Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half, coconut cream (vegan), or omit for lighter sauce (non-keto).
Parmesan: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Pine Nuts: Swap with toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for nut-free.
Keto Adjustment: Use zucchini noodles, replace cream with mascarpone (2 Tbsp), and reduce to ¼ cup (~3–4g net carbs per serving).
Vegan Version: Swap butter with vegan butter, cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Spicy Version: Add ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the garlic.
Protein-Packed: Add ½ lb cooked shrimp or grilled chicken (non-vegetarian) after tossing.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is fast and simple, with a quick boil and sauté. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add 1 lb casarecce pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8–10 minutes).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

Tip: Salt the water generously (like the sea) for flavorful pasta; don’t rinse to keep starch for sauce adhesion.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccolini

In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add 1 lb roughly chopped broccolini and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves, zest, and juice of 1 lemon; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Tip: Chop broccolini into bite-sized pieces for even cooking; stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Tip: Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream; add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish with ½ cup pine nuts and 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil.
Serve immediately.

Tip: Toss gently to evenly coat pasta; toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes for extra flavor if desired.

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Assembly: Building the Perfect Lemony Broccolini Pasta

Making this 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is all about creating a vibrant, creamy dish with balanced textures. Here’s how to make it perfect:

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure a firm bite to hold the sauce.
Sauté Broccolini Tender: Cook until just tender for crunch without bitterness.
Make Sauce Creamy: Simmer cream and cheese for a smooth, clingy sauce.
Garnish Fresh: Add pine nuts and basil last for crunch and vibrancy.

Presentation Tips:

Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the green broccolini and creamy sauce.
Pair with a keto-friendly side like a cucumber salad or grilled zucchini.
Garnish with extra Parmesan, a lemon wedge, or a sprinkle of black pepper for a polished look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but stores well for quick meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as cream sauce and broccolini may lose texture.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water for 5–7 minutes to restore creaminess.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, but this may affect texture.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep broccolini and garlic up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Cook pasta and sauce fresh for best texture; assemble just before serving.
- Toast pine nuts up to 3 days ahead; store at room temperature.

Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice when reheating to refresh flavors.

Recipe Variations

This 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is versatile, drawing on your love for vibrant, veggie-forward dishes like Abundance Kale Salad and Zucchini Basil Soup. Here are some fun ideas:

Keto Broccolini Pasta: Use zucchini noodles, replace cream with mascarpone (2 Tbsp), and reduce to ¼ cup (~3–4g net carbs per serving).
Gluten-Free Version: Swap casarecce with gluten-free pasta (e.g., chickpea or rice-based).
Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Spicy Broccolini Pasta: Add ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the garlic.
Mediterranean Twist: Include ¼ cup crumbled feta (non-vegan) or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Tip: Serve with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread (almond flour-based) or a sprinkle of toasted seeds for extra crunch.

Conclusion: A Zesty, Quick Treat to Love

15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta is the perfect way to enjoy a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both quick and satisfying. With its tender broccolini, creamy lemon sauce, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. Perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or cozy dinners, this pasta is sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every zesty, creamy bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this broccolini pasta? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!

15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta

Author: Alyssa

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