Description
A quick and versatile pasta dish featuring broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Easily customizable with cheese, lemon, protein, or herbs.
Ingredients
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150g dry pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or orecchiette)
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300g broccoli florets (1 large head)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 garlic cloves, chopped
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Red pepper flakes (to taste)
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
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Optional:
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Grated parmesan or crumbled feta
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Lemon zest and juice
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Anchovies (for Sicilian twist)
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Sundried tomatoes, olives
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Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage
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Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
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Instructions
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Prep: Wash and cut broccoli into bite-size florets.
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Boil: In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta and broccoli together. Add broccoli based on how soft you want it.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
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Sauté: In the same pot, heat olive oil on medium. Add chopped garlic, cook for 15 seconds, then stir in red pepper flakes.
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Combine: Add cooked pasta and broccoli back to the pot. Toss well.
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Adjust texture with a few spoonfuls of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
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Season and serve with your favorite toppings like cheese, lemon, or fresh herbs.
Notes
For a more filling dish, add a protein like grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp. Anchovies and lemon zest give it a Sicilian twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiled and sautéed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian-inspired