Why This Lemon Broccoli Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite Dish

'Tis the season for picnics and spring and summer cookouts and the UK Cooperative Extension Service has come up with a ridiculously easy, healthy and tasty dish that will be a hit at any family gathering, elegant dinner, backyard barbecue or picnic. It's Lemon Broccoli Pasta- a dish that would be equally good served hot or chilled.

LEMON BROCCOLI PASTA

1 box (16 ounces) whole wheat pasta (rotini, spaghetti, bowtie, elbow macaroni)

1 package (12 to 14 ounces) frozen broccoli

Zest of one lemon

Juice of one lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced

2 cups spinach

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup reserved pasta water

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1) Boil water and prepare pasta according to label directions. Make certain that you save 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

2) While the pasta cooks, microwave broccoli for about 5 minutes, or until thawed.

3) In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and saute broccoli for 3 to 5 minutes.

4) Add cooked paste to the saucepan with the broccoli. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, spinach, and reserved pasta water. Use tongs or a spoon to evenly combine everything. Cook until the spinach is wilted. It will take roughly five minutes or so,

5) Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until it reaches desired texture. Serve.

6) Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

As with all recipes developed by the UK Cooperative Extension, Lemon Broccoli Pasta is a very affordable dish to make. The estimated cost for the entire recipe is just $8.56. It yields eight servings (each a hearty and filling cup and a half). That makes the cost- per serving- just $1.07.