Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli is the best quick dinner that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish cozy and comforting. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try these Garlic Butter One-Pan Meatballs and Potatoes for a complete meal. and Start your meal with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings – Crispy, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced..
Why This Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta
- Fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crunch
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Mafaldine pasta
- Broccoli florets
- Heavy cream
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Toasted pine nuts
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Mafaldine pasta: Fusilli or other short pasta shapes can be used as a substitute.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality pasta pot — Even cooking and perfect al dente pasta every time. → See on Amazon
- Microplane zester — Effortless lemon zesting for maximum flavor. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook mafaldine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli florets with garlic and red pepper flakes until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed. Return broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the broccoli. It should still have a crunch. If it's overcooked, it will become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
- Pro tip: Use high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor.
- Pro tip: Zest the lemon before juicing for easier handling and maximum flavor.
Storing & Reheating Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The pasta can be cooked and the broccoli can be sautéed a day ahead. Combine and reheat before serving.
Freezing Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Mafaldine pasta
- Broccoli florets
- Heavy cream
- Lemon
- Garlic
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook mafaldine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli florets with garlic and red pepper flakes until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed. Return broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: The pasta can be cooked and the broccoli can be sautéed a day ahead. Combine and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 16g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli FAQs
Yes, see storage notes for make-ahead tips.
Overcooking is the most common reason for mushy broccoli. To prevent this, cook broccoli until tender-crisp and remove from heat immediately.
No, this recipe is not suitable for the air fryer.
Full-fat canned coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Creamy Mafaldine Pasta Limone with Broccoli and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
