I love pasta salads! They're refreshing, light, and the perfect summer dish! This pasta can be served cold or warm. You can even throw in some chicken or shrimp to add protein.
LEMON BROCCOLI PASTA
serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS:
Water to cook Pasta
1lb Rotini Pasta
1 - 2 pounds fresh broccoli
3 - 4 cups Spinach
4 Tbsp Butter
1 large Lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 cup fresh Parmesan, plus more to garnish
Olive Oil to garnish
Salt and Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and salt it generously.
Cut the broccoli into small bite sized pieces.
Add the rotini and boil on high for 5 minutes. Add the broccoli, cover, and set a timer for 3 minutes (Leave the burner on high enough to keep a rolling boil).
When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and drain the pasta and broccoli.
Return it to the pan and stir in the spinach.
Sprinkle with lemon zest. Let it sit for a few minutes so the spinach wilts.
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Turn off the heat and add 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice.
Add the lemon butter to the pasta and stir.
Stir in 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more spices or lemon juice to taste preference.
Garnish with more cheese.
Serve warm or cold.