One Pot Dinner - Pasta and Broccoli

We've established I like easy -- and healthy -- and most of all YUMMY.

Well, this little gem from Martha Stewart is all 3 of those!

Start with your boiling water...add some penne and set your timer....

While it's boiling away chop up a head of fresh broccoli....

When there's SIX minutes left for your pasta ADD in your broccoli to the same pot....

While that's boiling away whip up the super simple dressing - I like to GRATE my garlic and lemon zest....

Drain your pasta/broccoli and then toss with your dressing - throw in a handful (or two) of cheese and dinner's DONE!

Told ya it was easy. 

Here's the actual recipe if you need it....

Garlic/Lemon Penne with Broccoli
*from MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients
1 Box Penne Pasta
1 Head Broccoli
6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
5 Cloves Garlic - grated
1/4 Lemon - Zest and Juice
1-2 Handfuls Fresh Parmesan or Romano Cheese

DO IT: 

1. Bring a big pot of water to a boil - ADD penne and set timer according to directions for Al Dente (mine was 12 min).

2. While Penne is boiling, CUT up your broccoli into cut florets.

3. When there's SIX minutes left on your Penne timer ADD your broccoli to the same pot.

4. While Penne and Broccoli is boiling - MIX your Oil, Garlic, Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice in a bowl.

5. DRAIN Penne/Broccoli pot and return to big pot - POUR your Oil mixture and TOSS. ADD a few handfuls of cheese and mix gently.

This meal took me 12 minutes from when my water started boiling. Can't beat that for speed! It was the perfect quick and healthy meal for my family. I'm sure if you needed meat you could toss some cooked shredded chicken or ring sausage at the end.