Quick Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.

2.While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.

3.Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli well.

4.Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss everything together to combine.

5.Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. If the pasta seems too dry, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until a light sauce forms and coats the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6.Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.