Lemon Broccoli Penne

I developed this recipe several years ago and it was published in PASTA PRESS magazine for Pasta Lovers. This is a quick, easy flavorful broccoli dish that is sure to please even non-broccoli lovers! Boiled with the pasta during its final minute of cooking, the barely blanched broccoli is then tossed with a tasty medley of stir-fried vegetables in a lemon infused broth, magically creating a delicious new combination of flavors.

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3  cups  sliced mushrooms
• 1⁄2 lb  dried plain penne (type of your choice)
• 1 1⁄2 cups  vegetable stock or 1 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock or 1 1⁄2 cups vegetable broth or 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 2  large tomatoes, diced
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1  teaspoon lemon, zest of
• 1  bunch fresh spinach leaves (remove stems)
• 4  cups broccoli florets
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 1⁄4 cup  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and saute' for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Immediately add the onion and saute' for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add mushrooms and saute' for 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring very frequently.
5. Deglaze frying pan with 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken stock.
6. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, pepper flakes and remaining vegetable or chicken stock.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in lemon zest and then the spinach.
9. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until spinach wilts.
10. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly boiling salted water for 1 minute less than the specified cooking time.
11. At this point, add the broccoli directly to the pasta and cook both together for the remaining 1 minute.
12. Drain pasta and broccoli combination and return to the cooking pot.
13. Now add the frying pan sauce to the cooking pot and thoroughly toss all ingredients.
14. Season with salt and pepper and allow to heat through for several minutes.
15. Transfer to a large serving bowl or serve directly from the cooking pot.
16. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese.