Description
Mafaldine Pasta Limone With Broccoli is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender mafaldine noodles, fresh broccoli, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and bright lemon flavor. This easy 30-minute recipe delivers a silky lemon-Parmesan sauce that clings to every ribbon of pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb mafaldine pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1½ cups broccoli, very finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mafaldine pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the finely chopped broccoli and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then add the lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Add the drained pasta and lemon juice to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for 1 additional minute over low heat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce becomes silky and creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve plenty of pasta water to help create a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.
- For a brighter flavor, add additional lemon zest before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 525 Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg