It’s February already. For me that means that winter has been going on for kind of a while now, but spring is still a few minutes away. I feel like February has this kind of old, grey, stretched out vibe that isn’t all that pleasant. It’s the dreary kind of season that is perfect for reading good books and eating cozy food. I think Creamy Lemon Broccoli Rotini fits in the ‘cozy food’ category, don’t you?
For one thing, it has pasta. Nobody can argue that carbs aren’t cozy. And for another, it has heavy cream in it. I also really like broccoli (it’s hands down my favorite green food), so even if that doesn’t contribute to coziness, it’s still a plus for me. The lemon flavor in this dish is very mild. It comes across subtly and brightens up the tone of the recipe without kicking you in the face with an overwhelming burst of citrus.
With only a few ingredients this is a meal that comes together really quickly. I serve it with a some garlic bread and sometimes a simple salad, and usually can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, which makes Creamy Lemon Broccoli Rotini ideal for busy weeknights.
Other quick weeknight meals:
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A quick word about steaming things: This recipe calls for steamed broccoli, and I want to take a moment to share with you a life-changing kitchen tool that I recommend to pretty much anyone who will listen. If you steam vegetables or reheat soup with any regularity, then do yourself a favor and take a gander at the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker. I use mine multiple times per week and it’s amazing. Please note, I am not and have never been affiliated with Pampered Chef. I actually think a lot of their products are overhyped! But this thing is awesome-sauce and you need one.
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp salt
- 16 oz rainbow rotini
- 4 cups broccoli florets
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In a large skillet, melt butter and saute garlic for about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice, cream, and salt and let simmer for about 20 minutes to thicken.
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While the sauce is cooking, boil a separate pot of water and cook rotini according to package instructions (generally that means boil for about 10-12 minutes).
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While you are waiting for the rotini to cook and the sauce to thicken, steam the broccoli by your preferred method (see notes for more).
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When the rotini is tender, drain and add to thickened sauce, along with the steamed broccoli. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
To steam broccoli:
Option 1: Buy frozen broccoli in a steamer bag and cook in the microwave.
Option 2: Buy frozen or fresh broccoli and cook it on the stovetop using one of these nifty contraptions.
Option 3: Buy frozen or fresh broccoli and steam it in the microwave using a Pampered Chef microwave steamer. This is what I do, and that steamer is something I recommend everyone consider purchasing. I use it multiple times per week!
Just saved because I have all the ingredients and will be making this week. 🙂
That’s awesome! Hope you like it 🙂
This is exactly the type of meal my family loves! I can’t wait to cook this for them!
This is exactly what my family loves too. Hope your crowd enjoys it!
Oh gosh I love coming across new recipes that are easy and delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
You’ll have to let me know what you think about it!
OH YESSS! This looks so good. Can’t wait to try it 🙂
Let me know how you like it!
I love any kind of pasta. I have not tried a sauce like this. WIll give it a shot. A good way to get my daughter to eat her broccoli.
You’ve got to do whatever it takes to get those veggies in!
THis looks delicious! I’ve been obsessed with broccoli lately, can’t wait to try this!
Hope you like it! Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.
Yummy and so good for a lunch!
Yes! It’s even great leftover.