In life, so many things are simple. However, it is important to keep it simple. It is one of my favorite “stupid simple” meals. My favorite “stupid simple” meals include buttered pasta with a vegetable and a healthy dose of salt and pepper.
The dish is incredibly simple, incredibly delicious, and you can use it for a variety of different ways. Roasted Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Feta consists of buttered pasta topped with charred oven-roasted broccoli, steak seasoning, and lemon juice and salty feta cheese.
I really can’t say enough about how delicious this flavor combination is, and how easy it is to prepare.
The Apronese recipe will be available below for you to read and refer to.
Steak Seasoning: What is it?
A few premade spice blends in my pantry, such as steak seasoning, also known as Montreal steak seasoning, are some of my favorites.
It is a chunky and crunchy blend of spices made with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and other spices. In addition to being great for steak, this sauce is also great on broccoli, potatoes, pasta, and a million other things.
This seasoning provides a slightly crunchy texture to the surface of food and a subtle hint of smokiness, all while giving it a huge burst of flavor. I use it on everything and every day.
At most major grocery stores, you will be able to find some kind of steak seasoning for sale. McCormick makes one, as does Aldi and Kroger, and there are many other companies that make one.
Is It Necessary to Use Whole Wheat Pasta?
There is no particular type of pasta that you need for this recipe, but I find that the slightly nutty flavor of whole wheat pasta pairs the best with the flavors in this dish, even though you can use any type of pasta you have on hand.
Despite the fact that you can use a long-shaped pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, it will be more convenient to stir together the ingredients if you use a shorter pasta shape. Bowties and rotini are great alternatives to penne because they are shorter shapes.
Fresh Lemon is a Must
Please do not be tempted to skip the fresh lemon, as it has a huge impact on the flavor profile of this pasta. There is no doubt that whole lemons can be quite expensive, but if you buy them in bulk and store them in your freezer, you will be able to save money per lemon, as whole lemons are much more expensive. The frozen lemon is still a great way to zest and juice, however it is not as pretty to garnish or slice when frozen.
Can I use Frozen Broccoli?
Those of you who know me, will know that I really love roasting frozen broccoli. It is super easy, fast, and totally delicious. However, for this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh broccoli instead.
It’s important to note that fresh broccoli doesn’t get quite as wet as frozen broccoli, which means that you get a much better char on the edges, which gives this pasta a very smoky flavor. You can use frozen in a pinch, but this recipe will be best served with fresh broccoli.
Roasted Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Feta
This recipe for Roasted Broccoli Pasta with Lemon and Feta is a very simple pasta dish with a huge amount of flavors. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, fast to prepare, and very tasty.
Author: Beth
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. broccoli crowns ($1.79)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
- 1 tsp steak seasoning ($0.10)
- 1 fresh lemon ($0.39)
- 8 oz. whole wheat penne pasta ($0.50)
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.20)
- 1 oz. crumbled feta ($0.55)
Instructions
- Make sure that the oven is heated to 400°F. Make sure the broccoli is cut into small florets, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread out the florets on it. Toss the broccoli until it is well coated in olive oil and steak seasoning and sprinkle with the steak seasoning over top. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle the steak seasoning over top.
- The broccoli should be roasted for 20-25 minutes, or until it has become brown on the edges and crispy all the way around.
- Make the rest of the dish while the broccoli roasts. You need to boil a pot of water so you can cook the penne in it, then add the penne, and continue to boil until it is tender (8-10 minutes). After boiling the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander, and reserve the remaining starchy pasta water.
- You can start zesting a lemon while the pasta is boiling, and then cut it into wedges as soon as it is done boiling.
- If you haven’t already, return the drained pasta to the pot (remember that it has been turned off). Combine the roasted broccoli florets, the butter, a tiny bit of lemon zest, and a few slices of lemon juice into the pot. Stir all of these ingredients together until the butter melts, and add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to the pasta if it seems too dry.
- As a finishing touch, sprinkle the pasta with crumbled feta cheese and, if desired, add a pinch or two more steak seasoning. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Nutritional
Serving: 1 serving ・ Calories: 345.7 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 50.93 g ・ Protein: 13 g ・ Fat: 12.03 g ・ Sodium: 204.83 mg ・ Fiber: 10.38 g
The nutritional values shown here are only estimates. Please see our nutrition disclaimer.
Equipment
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How to Make Roasted Broccoli Pasta – Step by Step Photos
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, chop the broccoli crowns into small florets, and place in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp steak seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Place the broccoli onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread the broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and drizzle with steak seasoning.
The broccoli florets should be tossed until they are well coated with oil and seasoning, and are ready to serve.
Broccoli florets should be roasted in the oven at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until nicely browned and crispy.
If the broccoli is roasting, bring a pot of water to boil in which you will boil 8 ounces of whole wheat penne and continue to boil until the pasta is tender (8-10 minutes on medium heat).
Reserve 1/2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
I would suggest you zest the lemon before cutting it into wedges and roasting it while the broccoli roasts and the pasta is boiling.
It will take about one to two minutes after draining the pasta, and it will be hot again. Return the pasta to the pot (with the heat turned off) and add the roasted broccoli, 2 tablespoons of butter, one to two tablespoons of lemon zest, and the juice from two lemon wedges.
Once the pasta has been fully cooked, you may stir the pasta with the other ingredients to ensure that they are combined.
Let the hot pasta melt the butter. If it becomes dry, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. Once the butter has melted, top with 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese.
There is a choice to serve with the remaining lemon wedges for squeezing across the bowls if desired. In the case of adding additional steak seasoning, do so a pinch or two at a time.
Finished a delicious and healthy colorful Pasta with broccoli, lemon and peta, how do you feel, Apronese is so delicious. Share this recipe with everyone and cook it.
