Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Featured in: Dinner Grin

This vibrant dish pairs delicate angel hair pasta with tender roasted broccoli and sweet, mellow garlic. Finished with bright lemon zest and juice, it delivers a fresh, zesty flavor complemented by a touch of Parmesan. Roasting the broccoli and garlic deepens their flavors and adds a subtle char. The pasta is lightly tossed in this mixture, creating a light yet satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or simple lunches. Optional ingredients like red pepper flakes and fresh parsley add complexity and freshness.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:33:00 GMT
Vibrant Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli Angel Hair Pasta, tossed al dente, ready to eat. Save
Vibrant Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli Angel Hair Pasta, tossed al dente, ready to eat. | grinnosh.com

A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender angel hair tossed with roasted broccoli, sweet garlic, and a zesty lemon finish. Light yet satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fresh lunch.

This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for its bright flavors and quick preparation time it never fails to impress guests.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large head broccoli cut into small florets, 8 cloves garlic peeled (whole), 2 tablespoons olive oil, Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) angel hair pasta
  • Seasonings & Miscellaneous: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Toss broccoli florets and whole garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3:
Roast for 18 20 minutes tossing halfway until broccoli is tender and lightly charred and garlic is soft and golden.
Step 4:
Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain pasta.
Step 5:
Transfer roasted garlic to a cutting board and mash with a fork.
Step 6:
In a large skillet over medium heat add mashed garlic roasted broccoli lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
Step 7:
Pour in lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Add Parmesan cheese and toss again until well combined and creamy.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt pepper or lemon juice if desired.
Step 9:
Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Golden roasted broccoli and garlic complement the zesty lemon in this pasta dish. Save
Golden roasted broccoli and garlic complement the zesty lemon in this pasta dish. | grinnosh.com

This dish always brings my family together for a casual and memorable meal.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Large pot Colander Large skillet Zester/microplane Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (Parmesan) For gluten-free use gluten-free angel hair pasta For dairy-free omit Parmesan or use a substitute Always check ingredient labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 56 g Protein: 12 g

This plate of Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli Angel Hair Pasta is perfect for a light vegetarian meal. Save
This plate of Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli Angel Hair Pasta is perfect for a light vegetarian meal. | grinnosh.com

This roasted garlic lemon broccoli angel hair pasta offers a fresh and easy dish that delights every time.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best way to roast the broccoli and garlic?

Roast broccoli florets and whole garlic cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 18–20 minutes until the broccoli is tender with slight char and the garlic is soft and golden.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan while maintaining its creamy texture.

Can I use different vegetables in place of broccoli?

Yes, broccolini or asparagus can be roasted similarly and used as a delicious alternative to broccoli in this dish.

How should I prepare the lemon for this dish?

Use both the zest and fresh juice of one lemon to add brightness and a zesty finish to the pasta and roasted vegetables.

Is there a way to adjust the spice level?

Red pepper flakes can be added optionally to provide a mild heat that complements the lemon and garlic flavors without overpowering the dish.

What pasta water role in this dish?

Reserved pasta water is added to loosen the sauce, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy texture.

Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Angel hair pasta combined with roasted broccoli, garlic, and lemon for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
02 8 whole garlic cloves, peeled
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 Zest of 1 lemon
05 Juice of 1 lemon
06 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Pasta

01 12 ounces angel hair pasta

Seasonings & Miscellaneous

01 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stage 02

Prepare broccoli and garlic: Toss broccoli florets and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Stage 03

Roast vegetables: Roast broccoli and garlic for 18 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until broccoli is tender with light char and garlic is soft and golden.

Stage 04

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Stage 05

Mash garlic: Transfer roasted garlic cloves to a cutting board and mash them with a fork until smooth.

Stage 06

Combine ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the mashed garlic, roasted broccoli, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly.

Stage 07

Finish with lemon and cheese: Pour in lemon juice and add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.

Stage 08

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice as desired. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Zester or microplane
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (Parmesan). Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese for alternatives.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 12 g