Lemon Broccoli Pasta

This pasta is the perfect quick and healthy dinner. It only requires 5 main ingredients and the rest you probably have on hand. I make it gluten free by using Banza chickpea noodles, but you can use whatever pasta you prefer. The Banza noodles don’t compromise taste, but provide the dish with extra protein and fiber. The broccoli adds some much needed color and crunch, but the real star of the dish is the lemon. The lemon adds brightness, flavor, and acidity to round out the dish.

Gluten Free Lemon Broccoli Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Banza gluten free chickpea pasta*

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)

• 2 green onions*

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped*

• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, depending on your preference*

• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to directions. When there is 1-2 minutes left to cook the pasta, add the broccoli florets. Drain when done cooking.

2. While the pasta is cooking, separate the white and light green parts of the green onion from the dark green. Dice the white and light green parts. Slice the dark green parts and save for garnishing.

3. In a large pan, heat about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the white and light green parts of the onion. Saute for about 2 minutes and then add the red pepper flakes, if using. Saute for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Add the pasta and broccoli to the pan with the onions. Add the olive oil, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and basil (if using). Stir well and season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve hot and garnish with the dark green onion slices.

Notes:

• Banza pasta: feel free to use whatever pasta you have instead of these noodles.

• Green onions: if you don’t have any, you can use 1/2 of a regular onion or omit completely.

• Fresh Basil: This isn’t necessary, but does add some texture and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you could add dried basil or any other fresh herbs you have, such as parsley.

• Red pepper flakes: If you don’t like spicy foods at all, omit the pepper flakes completely. If you’re not sure how spicy you want it, start with 1/2 teaspoon. You can always sprinkle some on after cooking for extra heat.

• Added protein: This dish is great on it’s own, but it also tastes good with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

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