Description
This light and healthy broccoli pasta is a delightful dish combining tender broccoli mashed into a flavorful sauce with perfectly cooked shell pasta. Enhanced with garlic, crushed red pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting yet nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small florets
- 12 ounces shell pasta
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Water
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved broccoli cooking water
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli and the reserved cooking water. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens enough to mash easily with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot with the broccoli water, add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of the reserved broccoli water to loosen the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- You can substitute shell pasta with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Reserve the broccoli cooking water carefully as it helps create a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creaminess and freshness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
