Broccolini and Lemon Penne
This easy and delicious pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Broccolini and lemon are a classic combination, and the addition of Parmesan cheese and garlic takes this dish to the next level. The pasta is cooked in a flavorful olive oil sauce, and the broccolini is cooked until tender-crisp. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
The origins of broccolini and lemon penne are a bit murky, but it is thought to have originated in Italy in the early 1900s. The dish was likely created by a resourceful cook who was looking for a way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. Broccolini, which is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, was a popular vegetable in Italy at the time, and lemon was a common ingredient in Italian cooking. The combination of these ingredients in a pasta dish was an instant hit, and it has remained a popular dish to this day.
Broccolini and Lemon Penne Broccolini and Lemon Penne Broccolini and Lemon Penne Broccolini and Lemon Penne
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound broccolini, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Add the broccolini and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the broccolini.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  8. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, or until the sauce is heated through.
Why It Works
  • The combination of broccolini and lemon is a classic for a reason. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the broccolini.
  • Cooking the broccolini until tender-crisp gives it a nice texture that is not too soft or too crunchy.
  • The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor to the dish, and the garlic adds a savory depth of flavor.