Classic Italian Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
This Italian Pasta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dish that is pure comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets or broccoli rabe cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups cooked pasta Fusilli, penne pasta, orecchiette pasta, or any small shells work best
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A block of parmesan cheese pecorino romano cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano to grate over the top of the finished pasta dish
Instructions
For the Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While you're waiting for the water to boil, fill a large bowl with water and ice.
- Once the water is boiling rapidly, add the broccoli to the boiling water and allow it to cook for 2 minutes.
- Using a sieve or slotted spoon, carefully remove the broccoli from the hot water and transfer it to the bowl of ice water. Do NOT drain or throw out the hot water in the pot.
- Allow the broccoli to cool completely, and then drain it in a colander and set it aside.
For the Pasta
- Return the pot of water you cooked the broccoli in to a boil.
- Add the pasta and boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is done, set aside 1/4 a cup of the pasta water and drain the noodles.
Make the Broccoli Sauce
- In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil, minced fresh garlic, cooked broccoli, and hot pepper flakes over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- Add the cooked pasta and water to the broccoli mixture.
- Increase the burner to medium-high heat and toss the pasta occasionally until the limited is gone.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grate fresh cheese over the pasta e broccoli and serve immediately.
Servings: 4