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Baked Broccoli and Feta Pasta with Lemon and Basil Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

This roasted broccoli and feta pasta recipe combines tender, caramelized broccoli and creamy baked feta with al dente pasta tossed in a luscious olive oil and lemon sauce. It’s a simple, flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual dinner with friends.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz)
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Pantry

  • 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

Dairy

  • 8 oz brick of feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the broccoli florets into quarters and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat all the broccoli evenly. Create a space in the middle of the broccoli and place the 8 oz feta block there. Drizzle additional olive oil and sprinkle black pepper over the top of the feta.
  2. Bake broccoli and feta: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 35 minutes. While the broccoli and feta bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  3. Combine and finish the dish: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately stir the baked broccoli and feta together, allowing the feta to soften and coat the broccoli. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until the mixture reaches your desired creaminess—about the full 1/2 cup. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to combine thoroughly. Finally, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh chopped basil. Give one last stir to integrate all flavors, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Using pasta water helps create a creamy sauce without adding dairy cream.
  • You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus if desired.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when tossing the broccoli before baking.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce thickens too much.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/baked-broccoli-and-feta-pasta-with-lemon-and-basil-recipe/