Treat yourself to a delightful bowl of Orecchiette with Broccoli, a classic Italian pasta dish that combines the satisfying taste of orecchiette pasta with the wholesome goodness of broccoli. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick and nourishing meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For this delicious pasta dish, you'll need the following:
- 12 ounces (340g) orecchiette pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook until they are tender-crisp.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Add the cooked orecchiette and broccoli to the skillet, tossing them with the garlic-infused olive oil until well coated. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Prepare
To prepare this simple and delicious Orecchiette with Broccoli, follow these easy steps:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the orecchiette pasta as directed on the package, adding the broccoli florets in the last few minutes of cooking.
Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli, saving some of the pasta water.
Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil in a large skillet until fragrant.
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the garlic-infused olive oil, adding pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Preparation Time
The preparation time for Orecchiette with Broccoli is approximately 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
Servings
This recipe serves 4, making it ideal for a small family or for enjoying leftovers later.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but blanch it before adding it to the pasta to ensure it's cooked properly.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this dish? Certainly! You can customize this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for added variety.
Is orecchiette pasta gluten-free? Orecchiette pasta is typically made from durum wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the dish just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this Orecchiette with Broccoli is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Conclusion
Orecchiette with Broccoli is a simple and delightful pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of Italy. With tender pasta and nutritious broccoli, all infused with the aroma of garlic and olive oil, this dish is a winner for any mealtime. So, whip up this tasty and satisfying recipe and enjoy a burst of authentic Italian flavors in every bite.
Comments
Post a Comment