If you love simple, fresh flavors with a satisfying bite, then this Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. It combines tender bowtie pasta with bright, crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious sauce made from melted butter, tangy lemon juice, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This recipe is a wonderful balance of creamy, zesty, and fresh – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch that feels just a little special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe happens because of a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures: from the pasta’s satisfying chew to the broccoli’s fresh crunch, all brought together by the rich Parmesan and bright lemon.
- 16 ounces bowtie/farfalle pasta: Bowtie pasta holds sauces beautifully and provides the perfect shape to catch the cheese and butter.
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and vibrant green color that brightens the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its silky, rich base without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, savory depth and helps create a luscious coating on the pasta and broccoli.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh: Provides a burst of citrus brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Bring the water to a boil
Start by filling a large pot with about 8 cups of water and bringing it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This ensures your pasta cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Add salt and pasta
Once the water is boiling, sprinkle in a pinch of salt to season the pasta, then gently add the bowtie pasta. The salt enhances the flavor and brings out the pasta’s natural taste.
Step 3: Add broccoli florets
After cooking the pasta for about 3 to 4 minutes, carefully drop the broccoli florets right into the same pot on top of the pasta. This way, both the pasta and broccoli will cook together perfectly and the broccoli will stay tender-crisp.
Step 4: Cook everything until tender
Let both the pasta and broccoli cook for around 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender but still has some bite. Remember to scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining — it’s a secret ingredient for the sauce!
Step 5: Drain and prepare the sauce base
Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside. Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat and melt the butter until it becomes fragrant and bubbly, setting the stage for a buttery sauce base.
Step 6: Combine ingredients and make the sauce
Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the melted butter. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything and toss well. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually, tossing until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce that clings to every bowtie and floret.
Step 7: Finish with lemon and serve
Remove the pot from heat, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine. The lemon adds a fresh pop that balances the rich butter and cheese perfectly. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper can add a fresh aroma and a hint of earthiness. For an extra touch, try adding toasted pine nuts or a little more grated Parmesan right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads like an arugula and cherry tomato salad or a refreshing cucumber salad with a simple vinaigrette. If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp are delightful accompaniments that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve directly from the pot in the center of the table to keep the cozy vibe. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side. You can even dish it into hollowed-out lemon halves for a fun presentation at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify after resting, but the broccoli might soften further, so be mindful if you prefer a bit more crunch.
Freezing
This Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the broccoli and the sauce, so it’s not recommended. However, if you must freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the broccoli mushy and the pasta gummy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for its shape and texture, penne, rotini, or fusilli also work wonderfully because they hold onto sauce well.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be more acidic and less fresh tasting, so fresh is highly recommended for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative and replace Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How can I make the broccoli more tender?
If you prefer softer broccoli, simply add it to the pot earlier and let it cook a little longer with the pasta. You can also steam the broccoli separately to your desired tenderness and then combine.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Adding cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon bits can make the meal heartier. A sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts also adds a wonderful crunch and boosts satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
This Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious and comforting. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and absolutely bursting with bright and buttery flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to meal!
Print
Bowties and Broccoli with Parmesan and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting one-pot dish combining tender bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli, tossed in a buttery Parmesan sauce with a bright touch of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick family meal or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 16 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Boil water: Add about 8 cups of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add pasta: Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and the bowtie pasta to the pot.
- Start cooking pasta and add broccoli: Cook the pasta for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the broccoli florets on top of the pasta in the boiling water.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking the pasta and broccoli together for about 10 more minutes until the pasta is tender and the broccoli is cooked through. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain pasta and broccoli: Pour the pasta and broccoli into a colander to drain. Return the empty pot to the stove and heat to medium.
- Melt butter: Add the unsalted butter to the pot and let it melt completely.
- Toss pasta and broccoli: Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot with the melted butter. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until it is evenly coated and the mixture begins to form a light sauce, adding more pasta water as needed.
- Finish with lemon juice: Remove the pot from heat. Add the fresh lemon juice and give everything a final toss. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta and broccoli.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for a brighter or more subtle citrus note.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta.
