The Best Sauteed Garlic Broccolini Recipe (2024)

This easy recipe features tender-crisp broccolini cooked with garlic and butter, then topped with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Sauteed broccolini takes minutes to make, and it’s one of the tastiest ways to enjoy this delicious veggie.

This super-simple broccolini recipe is just perfect for those busy, time-crunch dinners! All you have to do is give the broccolini a rinse, and cut off any tough stems. Then it’s ready for a quick saute in butter, with a blast of flavor from fresh garlic and lemon.

Why I Love This Broccolini Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 10 minutes, this sautéed broccolini recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is scarce.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: Combining the fresh taste of broccolini with the rich flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter, this recipe delivers a deliciously wholesome side dish.
• Versatile Side Dish: Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make this broccolini recipe a versatile companion to a wide range of main courses, enhancing any meal.

Recipe Ingredients

When you see a nice, short ingredient list, you know it’s gonna be a good dish, amirite? I love how easy and fast it is to get this on the table.

• Broccolini: For this recipe, you’ll need 1 to 1.5 pounds of fresh broccolini.
• Butter: I use a tablespoon of real butter for this sauté.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, lightly chopped, adds so much flavor!
• Water: A half a cup of water is needed for creating a steamy environment to tenderize the broccolini.
• Lemon Zest: This makes a lovely optional garnish.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional, for serving.

How to Cook Broccolini

This dish comes together in one skillet for a quick prep. Be sure to have your skillet lid on hand, and take care not to let the butter burn while sautéing. Pro tip: add a touch of high-heat oil, like avocado oil, to the butter to help prevent scorching.

1. Prep Broccolini: Rinse the broccolini well and pat it dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut off the bottom third of the broccolini stems and discard. Set the broccolini aside.
2. Sauté Broccolini: Melt the pat of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is heated, add the prepared broccolini to the butter, and saute for 5 or 6 minutes, until the broccolini turns bright green and the stems and tops are lightly browned.
3. Season: Season the dish with salt and pepper, then stir in the chopped garlic and toss lightly to coat.
4. Steam: Add the water to the skillet and cover. This will trap the steam in the skillet. Cook this way for 1 to 2 minutes, or until broccolini is crisp-tender.
5. Serve: Transfer the veggies to a serving dish, garnish with lemon zest and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

If you need something to serve with this broccolini side dish, this Creamy Pork Marsala is perfect, as are these rich and savory Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. This delicious vegetarian Macedonian Shakshuka or Chicken Orzo Recipe pairs well with sautéed broccolini.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• To Store: Cool the broccolini to room temperature, and then place it into food storage bags or shallow, airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to 6 months.
• To Reheat: thaw broccolini overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen). Then, heat a spoonful of olive oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the broccolini and toss to coat. Cover and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

More Healthy Side Dishes to Try

• Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
• Maple Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Dressing and Feta Cheese
• Grilled Vegetables with Halloumi
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks