Lemon Broccoli Pasta- Fast, Easy and DELICIOUS

Oh Boy... pasta!

But not just any pasta.  I LOVE this simple FAST pasta.  Loaded with a delicious brown butter/Lemon sauce for plenty of flavor.  It is very appealing to vegetarians with the colorful broccoli and Spinach added.  In fact, I hosted a football tailgating party recently and served this up as a vegetarian option along side a table full of ribs. brisket and pulled pork.  This was wildly popular and was gobbled up by the veggie people along with the carnivores.

So. it may seem odd, nut this dish earned a spot on my ultimate Tailgate menu.  A good host offers something for everyone, and indeed; this dish performs on all levels.

The lemon butter sauce shines, but the hidden heat from a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes adds enough Oomph to the dish to please all.  I was serving up a Football party.  Sadly, the one and out repetition of the KC Chief's post season quest for another Super Bowl appearance became prophetic (we were robbed with that holding call in the 4th quarter, but I digress)... But these hit the buffet table just as the first quarter started and we settled in with all the optimism you could imagine.  I wanted something light and easy to serve , grab a plate and move on to making plans for a football game in February.... Sigh

BUT... Enjoy indeed.

Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe.

But first, for any big deal party (like a Chef's appearance in a post season football game),  What a great way to display those appetizers on this three tiered food tray.  Make your party planning something special for the eyes as well as the taste buds.  Your food deserves it.



And as I said, keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

OK... Here's what I did...

Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Bow Toe Pasta
• 1-1/2 Pound Fresh Broccoli, Trimmed to bite size
• 2 Cups Fresh Spinach
• 4 TBS Butter
• 2 Cloves garlic, mashed and minced
• 1 Large Lemon, Zested and Juiced
• Plus an additional Lemon, cut into chunks for garnish
• 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
• 1 Cup fresh Parmesan
• Plus an additional  couple TBS sprinkled on top as garnish
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare pasta according to directions on the box.  Except, cook for one minute less to insure al Dente texture
2. When the pasta has cooked the correct time, drain the pasta and return to pot.  Add the spinach and stir to mix.  Cover and let rest for 10 minutes so the spinach wilts from the hot pasta.
3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet melt the 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat...Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Turn off the heat and add 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and the lemon zest. Add the lemon butter to the pasta and stir.
5. Stir in 1 cup fresh parmesan cheese. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with additional Parmesan Cheese and the lemon chunks
7. Serve Warm and ENJOY!