Name: Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350g / 12 oz dried short pasta (small shells recommended); 2 large broccoli heads; 1 cup shredded cheese (any melting cheese, or more to taste); 2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste); 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (add more for spiciness); 1 tsp sugar; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; More parmesan for garnish

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes, you’re going to adore this Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—it’s bright, cheesy, and so satisfying, plus it comes together in about 15 minutes flat. Whether you’re in a pinch or simply craving something fresh and comforting, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in just about 15 minutes with minimal effort.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The zing of lemon brightens the broccoli and cheese for a fresh, irresistible taste.
Flexibility: This dish is super forgiving and works great with different kinds of cheese and pasta shapes.
Nutrition Boost: Loaded with broccoli and whole ingredients, it’s a nourishing meal your whole family can enjoy.

A large bowl filled with small spiral pasta mixed with bright green broccoli florets. The pasta is light yellow and looks soft, while the broccoli pieces are spread evenly throughout the dish. On top, there is a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese, adding a slight white textured layer. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left side, ready to serve. In the background, there are two stacked white bowls, a silver fork and spoon set on a white cloth, and a block of parmesan cheese next to a grater on a white marbled surface. The overall setting feels cozy and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese, easy broccoli pasta recipe, quick lemon broccoli pasta, healthy cheesy pasta, 15-minute pasta dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

This combination of ingredients works beautifully together — the broccoli brings freshness and texture, the lemon adds brightness, and the cheese creates that cozy creamy element. The olive oil ties it all together without weighing it down.

Flat lay of dried small shell pasta, two big fresh broccoli heads, a small white bowl with shredded pale yellow cheese, a small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl with mixed dried herbs, a small white bowl containing red pepper flakes, a small white bowl with white granulated sugar, a small white bowl with salt, and a small white bowl with black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese, easy broccoli pasta recipe, quick lemon broccoli pasta, healthy cheesy pasta, 15-minute pasta dinner

Short pasta: I like using small shells because they catch the sauce and bits of broccoli perfectly.
Broccoli heads: Big, fresh heads work best — bright green and crisp to keep texture.
Shredded cheese: A good melting cheese, like mozzarella or sharp cheddar, amps up flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds a fragrant citrus punch that really wakes up the dish.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best bright acidity, but bottled works in a pinch.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use good-quality oil for a smooth, fruity base flavor.
Parmesan: Finely grated for a salty, nutty finish on the pasta.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings warmth and depth.
Mixed dried herbs: Or fresh herbs if you have them — they add lovely herbal notes.
Red pepper flakes: Add as much or as little as you like for a subtle kick.
Sugar: Balances the lemon’s acidity just right.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
More Parmesan: For garnishing and boosting cheesiness at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love keeping this recipe flexible because sometimes you just want to adjust based on what’s in your fridge or what mood you’re in. Don’t hesitate to experiment — it’s hard to go wrong here!

Add protein: When I’m craving something heartier, I toss in cooked chicken or crispy pancetta. It warms the dish up and makes it extra filling.
Try different cheeses: Mixing parmesan with pecorino or a bit of goat cheese gives a fun twist every time I make it.
Spice it up: If I want a kick, I ramp up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Use fresh herbs: When spring herbs are in season, a handful of chopped basil or parsley brightens every bite.
Make it vegan: Swap cheese for a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast — you won’t miss a thing.

How to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook that Pasta & Broccoli Together

Boil a large pot of salted water—2 teaspoons of salt will do. When it’s roaring, add your pasta. About halfway through the pasta’s cook time (if it takes 10 minutes, add broccoli at 5 minutes), toss in the chopped broccoli florets. This way, both cook perfectly without overdoing the broccoli. Keep an eye on it; you want tender but still bright and slightly crisp broccoli. When ready, drain, reserving a cup of pasta water just in case—for looseness later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemony, Cheesy Sauce

While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter. Sprinkle in your dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the lemon’s brightness. Stir it together and let the flavors marry for a minute.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Dump the drained pasta and broccoli into the pan with your garlic-lemon mixture. Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, along with your shredded cheese and parmesan. Toss everything gently but thoroughly — if it seems dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to get a light, glossy sauce coating each piece perfectly. Don’t be shy about adding more cheese here if you want it extra indulgent; I always do!

Step 4: Taste & Adjust

Now’s the moment to taste and tweak. Need more zing? Add a squeeze more lemon juice. Want it cheesier? Toss in another handful of parmesan. Looking for a touch more heat? Sprinkle a bit more red pepper flakes. This final personalized step makes all the difference — it’s your pasta after all!

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Pro Tips for Making Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

Timing Is Everything: Adding broccoli halfway through pasta cooking keeps it perfectly tender-crisp instead of mushy.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon to loosen the sauce without adding extra oil or cream.
Don’t Overdo the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—pull the pan off heat as soon as it’s fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Adjust Ingredients to Taste: Don’t be afraid to add more lemon, cheese, or pepper flakes for your perfect balance.

How to Serve Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with small shell pasta mixed with bright green broccoli pieces. The pasta looks soft and is coated with a light creamy sauce that makes the dish look smooth and shiny. There is a sprinkle of finely grated cheese on top and tiny specks of black pepper scattered over the dish. A silver spoon is placed partially inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a light cloth nearby and a blurred part of another dish with bread in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese, easy broccoli pasta recipe, quick lemon broccoli pasta, healthy cheesy pasta, 15-minute pasta dinner

Garnishes

I always finish with an extra generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan because cheese makes everything better, right? A scattering of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely fresh pop, and a tiny drizzle of olive oil right at the end gives it a pretty sheen and smooth mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce. If you want to keep it light, roasted cherry tomatoes on the side add a burst of sweetness that balances the lemony pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in pretty bowls with a lemon wedge on the side so folks can freshen it up to their taste. You could even stir in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch and garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful, elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you store it, add a little extra parmesan inside so the pasta stays cheesy and flavorful. Broccoli can lose some texture, so I recommend reheating gently.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this pasta, and while it’s possible, the broccoli tends to get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. If you want to freeze it, try doing so before adding the lemon and cheese sauce, then toss those in fresh after reheating.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring back some moisture and prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave for best texture, but if you must, add a little extra lemon or cheese to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works in a pinch—just add it a little earlier to your pasta water to avoid undercooking. It might be softer but still tastes great with the lemon and cheese.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pastas like shells, penne, or farfalle catch the sauce and broccoli bits beautifully, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How much lemon should I add for the right balance?

The recipe calls for about 2 teaspoons of zest and 2 tablespoons of juice, but I always start with less and add more to taste. Lemon is bright but can overpower if too much is added—go slow and taste as you go.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace cheese with your favorite vegan cheese or use nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor, and make sure to use olive oil instead of butter.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are mild yet tasty. Just reduce or omit red pepper flakes for little ones and consider using milder cheese varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Cheese Recipe is one of those fuss-free dishes I keep coming back to when I crave something that feels homemade and fresh but without hours in the kitchen. I love how the lemon brightens the earthiness of the broccoli, and the melty cheese just brings it all together so cozy and comforting. If you want a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and keeps you coming back for seconds, give it a try — I promise you’ll be hooked, just like my family and I are!