This is a quick and delicious side dish with tender-crisp broccolini coated in a savory garlic butter sauce.

Sauteed broccolini in a skillet with a fork and a couple slices of lemon

Why I Love This Recipe

This garlic butter broccolini is the ultimate easy side dish—simple to make but full of flavor. The garlic butter sauce takes it to the next level, making it feel a little fancy without any extra effort. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a special dinner. Serve it alongside your favorite main (chicken, steak, pork chops etc), and you’ve got a healthy meal everyone will love!

Recipe Ingredients

1 lb broccolini - I used 28 stalks ~ I bought a big bag from Costco.
3 tbsp unsalted butter - divided into 1 tablespoon and 2 Tbsp
water - or vegetable broth (to help cook broccoli)
4 cloves garlic - minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ fresh lemon
2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan - optional

Raw broccolini on the counter and some broccolini in a strainer

How To Make Lemon Garlic Broccolini

Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

STEP 1: Prep Broccolini

Trim the ends of the broccolini stalks and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Four images grouped, first two with skillet and melting butter, third with broccolini added, fourth with a lid

STEP 2: Sauté the Broccolini

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter is melted, add the broccolini and cook 1-2 minutes.

Now add a splash of water. Cover with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the broccolini is bright green and almost crisp-tender when poked with a fork. Add another a splash of water whenever needed while it cooks.

Four images of a skillet grouped, first with butter, minced garlic and spices dumped over broccolini, second with ingredient mixed together, third with a lid, fourth with a fork poking the broccolini

STEP 3: Add the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the remaining 2 tablespoon butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender when poked with a fork. Add another splash of water if needed.

Three images grouped of a skillet, first with shredded parmesan over broccolini, second with broccolini mixed together, last image with final sauteed broccolini and spatula

STEP 4: Season + Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Now add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan. Toss everything together. Serve and enjoy.

Plate with broccolini, lemon slices, forks and sprinkle of parmesan cheese

Recipe Tips

You can substitute with regular broccoli if you can’t find broccolini.
I don't recommend using salted butter as the parmesan is already quite salty and that might be too much.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store any leftover garlic butter broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a small amount of butter until heated through.

Have A Question?

Got a question about this recipe? Leave a comment below—I’m happy to help!
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