Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
While waiting, chop the broccoli into small florets. Drain and finely chop the anchovy fillets.
Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a bowl (reserve the water for the pasta).
For added flavor, you can lightly mash some of the broccoli with a fork to help it blend into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta:
In the same pot of boiling water, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, as per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and golden (about 1 minute).
Stir in the anchovies and cook for another minute, letting them melt slightly into the oil.
Combine Broccoli and Pasta:
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat with the anchovy-garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to combine all the ingredients. Gradually add pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and reaches your preferred consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful Italian meal!
Tips and Variations
Broccoli Alternative: Try substituting broccoli with broccolini or cauliflower for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute the anchovies with 1-2 teaspoons of capers for a briny taste without the fish. You may also add a bit of nutritional yeast for an extra umami boost.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta. Ensure your choice of pasta holds up well, as some gluten-free varieties can be more delicate.
Less Spicy: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
Add Some Crunch: Toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts make a wonderful garnish, adding both flavor and texture.