Broccoli & Lemon Pasta

 Looking for a sensational side or main? Then give this Broccoli & Lemon Pasta a whirl, it is quick, easy and yummy! We think Broccoli and Lemon are a marriage made in heaven. The lemon brings out the flavour of the broccoli. 

Serves: 3-4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 head broccoli, coarsely chopped
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
200g farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch salt & pepper
Handful fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Pinch salt & black pepper

Method :

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add oil and shallot and cook for 2 minutes. 
2. Add broccoli, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes or until broccoli is slightly golden.
3. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute
4. In a large pot, cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until just tender. Drain.
5. While pasta is cooking, combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
6. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli mixture, parsley and dressing. 
7. Toss well and top with Parmesan cheese 
8. Serve with lemon wedges for extra lemon juice.

Variation:

We like to make this with tagliatelle and eat it as a main meal. Even the littlies love it! Note: We don't add the dressing, we just add all the other ingredients together.

Recipe shared with permission of Love NZ Citrus, 5 Plus a Day