Pasta con Broccoli Recipe Guide

Pasta con Broccoli is a delightful Italian dish that combines the earthy flavors of broccoli with the comforting embrace of pasta. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that it’s not just a delicious dish; it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. Let me show you how I make this easy and nutritious meal.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a bright and vibrant dish, with the garlic and olive oil creating a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the broccoli. The optional lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, enhancing the overall experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
• Cost of Ingredients: $10 (prices may vary by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, frying pan, wooden spoon, knife, and chopping board
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con broccoli  here.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) of pasta (such as orecchiette, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb (450 g) of fresh broccoli florets
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con broccoli  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Wash and Cut: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if they’re large.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli and set it aside. Reserve the boiling water for the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander, but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Optional Spices: If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broccoli

1. Add Pasta and Broccoli: To the frying pan, add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli. Toss everything together gently.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the dish seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help create a lovely sauce.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Serve: Plate the pasta and broccoli, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Vegan Version: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Different Greens: Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, kale, or asparagus for variety.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con broccoli  here.

Tips

• Pasta Choices: While orecchiette is traditional, you can use any pasta you have on hand.
• Batch Cooking: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce when reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Broccoli seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure.