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Pasta con Broccoli

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, frying pan, wooden spoon, knife, and chopping board

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • Method
  • Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
  • Wash and Cut: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if they’re large.
  • 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
  • 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).
  • Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander, but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
  • Heat Olive Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Optional Spices: If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broccoli
  • Add Pasta and Broccoli: To the frying pan, add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli. Toss everything together gently.
  • 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
  • Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • 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.