Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add broccoli and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a bowl. Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, 10 to 13 minutes or as package label directs.

Step 2

While pasta is cooking, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest and thyme in a medium bowl. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 1 minute longer.

Step 3

Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Return to pot and stir in broccoli and ricotta mixture, adding cooking water to moisten as necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.