Penne Lemon Butter with Roasted Vegetables
Creamy lemon butter sauce coats tender penne and mingles with caramelized roasted veggies for a zesty, comforting meal.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss vegetables with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- 2 Meanwhile, cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large skillet, melt butter with remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- 4 Stir in stock, cream, lemon zest, and juice. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- 5 Add cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in Parmesan if using.
- 6 Combine roasted vegetables with the penne mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7 Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Oven
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Substitute zucchini for yellow squash for a lighter option.
Substitutions
- Use whole wheat penne for a healthier twist.
- Swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Pairings
- A crisp Chardonnay complements the lemony flavors.
- A light Pinot Noir offers a nice contrast.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
50g carbohydrates
Protein:
12g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Roast vegetables until they have a nice char for added depth of flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or stock to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or stock.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crusty baguette for a satisfying touch.
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Just sauté them with the garlic instead of roasting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your pasta is gluten-free.