08 January 2026
One-Pot Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Lemon
John GS adapted by JojoM
One-pot broccoli pesto pasta with peas, spinach, basil, and cream cheese. Creamy, quick, and bright with lemon for an easy weeknight dinner.
One-Pot Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Lemon
This one-pot broccoli pesto pasta is a quick, creamy bowl with peas, spinach, and basil, finished with lemon for brightness.
Why This Recipe Works
Cooking the pasta in the same pot with vegetables builds a starchy base that turns silky with cream cheese and pesto. Lemon zest and juice lift the flavor without extra steps.
Ingredients Overview
Broccoli and peas bring sweetness and texture, basil keeps it fresh, and cream cheese adds richness. Pesto ties it together with herbs and garlic.
How to Make It
Simmer the pasta, add the vegetables, then stir in pesto, cream cheese, and lemon once the liquid is mostly absorbed. Serve hot with extra cheese if you like.
Tips and Storage
This is best eaten right away. If you reheat, add a splash of hot water and stir to loosen the sauce.
One-Pot Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Lemon
John GS adapted by JojoMOne-pot broccoli pesto pasta with peas, spinach, basil, and cream cheese. Creamy, quick, and bright with lemon for an easy weeknight dinner.
Chef's Tips
Use smaller pasta shells for faster cooking.
Add a splash of hot water if the pan looks dry before the pasta is tender.
Stir in the pesto and cream cheese off the heat to keep it creamy.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
USMetric
One-Pot Pasta
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- 1
Add pasta to a large saucepan and pour over boiling water.
- 2
Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the Vegetables
- 1
Add broccoli, peas, and spinach.
- 2
Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish the Sauce
- 1
Stir in basil, cream cheese, pesto, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- 2
Season well with salt and pepper, mixing until creamy.
Serve
- 1
Divide between bowls and serve immediately.
Comments & Reviews
Amy W.
10/17/2022
Made it tonight and it was so good.
Tina M.
10/17/2022
Easy, creamy, and fast. Perfect midweek dinner.
Mary P.
10/16/2022
Swapped in sour cream and it still worked really well.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories 520
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g26%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 620mg27%
Total Carbohydrates 66g24%
Dietary Fiber 6g21%
Sugars 5g
Protein 16g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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