Broccoli And Bow Ties
Bright and flavorful broccoli and bow tie pasta combines fresh lemon, toasted pine nuts, and garlic for a satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- kosher salt
- 8 c. broccoli florets (4 heads)
- 1/2 lb. farfalle (bow tie) pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. good olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. toasted pignoli (pine) nuts ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 3 minutes.
- Remove the broccoli from the water with a slotted spoon or sieve and place in a large bowl.
- In the same water, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions, about 12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta well and add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the pasta and broccoli, tossing to combine.
- Sprinkle toasted pignoli nuts and freshly grated Parmesan (if using) on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a little heat, or substituting the pignoli nuts with walnuts if needed. You can also use frozen broccoli florets for convenience; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a heartier dish, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Make sure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a light salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For a vegetarian option, browse more vegetarian recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be served cold as a pasta salad, making it versatile for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Bow Ties contains roughly 347 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While farfalle (bow tie) pasta is recommended, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep! Prepare the broccoli and pasta in advance, then combine and heat just before serving. It also stores well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the butter and Parmesan cheese. Instead, use a plant-based butter substitute and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it a delicious option for those following a plant-based diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).