Lemon Garlic Veggie Pasta

I first crafted this recipe back in 2017 as I was meal prepping for those who would be spending time with me after a surgery. I love that I can make a small batch or a huge batch with the same amount of ease!

I love it cold and find that I enjoy it for even a couple of days after (when stored in the fridge in an airtight container). Some in my household prefer it hot and served immediately.

Lemon Garlic Veggie Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 oz whole grain rotini
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 2 small heads)
• 2.5 oz baby spinach, trimmed
• 1 Meyer lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) 
• 8 tsp grated Parmesan & Romano Cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 Tbsp sea salt

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring 3 qt of water to a boil on stovetop.
2. Add 6 oz whole grain rotini and boil for 12 mins, stirring occasionally.
3. Add 4 cups bite-size broccoli florets and boil for 4 mins, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain then return cooked pasta and broccoli to pot.
5. Stir in trimmed 2.5 oz baby spinach.
6. Sprinkle with lemon zest from 1 Meyer lemon then gently stir to combine – allow to sit for a few mins until spinach wilts.
7. Heat a small skillet over medium heat on stovetop.
8. Add 2 Tbsp butter and melt – maybe even let it brown.
9. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper then sauté for 1 min.  
10. Remove skillet from heat and add lemon juice from 1 Meyer lemon.
11. Pour butter mixture over the pasta mixture and stir gently until completely coated.
12. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp EVOO and stir gently.
13. Add 8 tsp grated Parmesan & Romano Cheese, a bit at a time, stirring gently to mix thoroughly.
14. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/4 Tbsp sea salt, then stir gently to mix thoroughly. 
15. Serve immediately for a warm dish or refrigerate to eat cold (or to be reheated).

NUTRITION FACTS
Servings	6
Amount Per Serving	1.25 cups
Calories	310
		%Daily Value*
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	6g	30%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	480mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	42g	15%
Dietary Fiber	8g	29%
Total Sugars	2g
Added Sugars	0g
Protein	12g
Vitamin D	0mcg	0%
Calcium	120mg	10%
Iron	2mg	10%
Potassium	450mg	10%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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