Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Charred Broccoli and Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta
- 1 large headbroccoli
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ½ cupextra-virgin olive oil
- 2lemon
- ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ¾ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- ½ cupparmesan cheese
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Juice 2 lemons and zest one of them (optional, for garnish).
- 03
Cut 1 large head broccoli into small florets.
- 04
Grate 0.5 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water before draining.
- 02
While pasta cooks, cut broccoli into small florets. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until charred on the bottom. Stir and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes more until tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 6 tablespoons olive oil, then the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.
- 04
Return broccoli to the pan. Add hot pasta and 1 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat for 2 minutes until the sauce coats everything. Add lemon juice and more pasta water as needed to loosen; the mixture should be silky, not thick.
- 05
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 06
Divide pasta among bowls. Top each with crispy breadcrumbs and a generous handful of grated parmesan. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a crack of black pepper.
Spice Tips
For warmth, increase red pepper flakes to 3/4 teaspoon. For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs. Crispy garlic chips can replace or join the breadcrumbs for an extra savory layer.
This dish comes together in 25 minutes flat. If you like extra richness, toss in a knob of butter just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of water; add fresh lemon juice to refresh the brightness.