Ah, broccoli—it’s the humble green vegetable that often gets a bad rap, but when roasted, it becomes something magical. Imagine the crispy edges, the tender insides, and that deliciously nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen. And when you pair it with pasta, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of feta, it’s like a symphony of flavors that hits all the right notes—comfort in a bowl, if you ask me.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and cut the broccoli crowns into small florets. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the florets on it. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle with steak seasoning, tossing until well coated.
- Roast the broccoli in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are brown and crispy. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add the whole wheat penne and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, then reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain.
- While the broccoli is roasting and pasta is cooking, zest the lemon and cut it into wedges. Once the pasta is drained and still hot, return it to the pot with the heat off.
- Combine the roasted broccoli, butter, lemon zest, and juice from two lemon wedges with the pasta. Stir until the butter melts, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to avoid dryness.
- Top the pasta with crumbled feta and add extra steak seasoning, if desired. Serve with the remaining lemon wedges for additional flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli crowns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1 fresh lemon
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ounce crumbled feta
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1383.8 kcal | Carbohydrates: 203.72 g | Protein: 52 g | Fat: 48.12 g | Sodium: 819.32 mg | Fiber: 41.52 g
FAQ
- What is steak seasoning and can I substitute it?
- Steak seasoning is a coarse blend of spices like salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika, which adds a crunchy texture and flavorful smokiness to dishes. While it’s ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with your own mix of similar spices if necessary.
- Is it necessary to use whole wheat pasta?
- You can use any pasta you have, but whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish’s ingredients. Short pasta shapes like bowtie or rotini are also suitable alternatives to penne.
- Why is fresh lemon important in this recipe?
- Fresh lemon is crucial for the dish’s flavor, adding brightness and acidity. If cost is a concern, buying lemons in bulk and freezing them can be a more economical option.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- While you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch, fresh broccoli is preferred for this recipe. It roasts better, achieving a charred, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Tips
- Use whole wheat pasta for its nutty taste, which complements the flavors in this dish. While any pasta can work, shorter shapes like bowtie or rotini are easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Opt for fresh broccoli instead of frozen to achieve a better char and smoky flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh lemon is essential for the flavor profile of this recipe, so avoid skipping it. Consider buying a bag of lemons and freezing them for cost-effective zesting and juicing later.
- If the pasta seems too dry after mixing with the other ingredients, add a bit of the reserved starchy pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Lemon Zester
- Colander
