What Makes My Wife So Bad at Cooking?

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penna Pasta (dry, any short‑tube shape)
• 1 cup Frozen Shelled Edamame (thawed before use)
• 2 cups Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑size pieces)
• 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced; discard green middle if present)
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
• 2 Tbsp BTB Broth Concentrate (dissolve in 1 cup hot water)
• 1 cup Hot Water (for dissolving broth concentrate)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Olive Oil (optional for blanching water)

Instructions

1. Mise en Place

   Measure all ingredients, mince garlic, cut broccoli into small florets, and have the edamame thawed and ready.

   Time: PT10M

2. Boil Pasta Water

   Fill a large pot with 4‑5 quarts of water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 212°F

3. Cook Pasta

   Add the penne to the boiling water and cook al dente according to package (8‑10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 212°F

4. Blanch Broccoli

   In a second pot of salted boiling water, add broccoli and blanch for 30‑45 seconds, then transfer to an ice‑water bowl to stop cooking.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 212°F

5. Sauté Garlic

   While pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium (≈300°F)

6. Dissolve Broth Concentrate

   In a mug, pour 1 cup hot water and stir in the BTB broth concentrate until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT1M

7. Add Broth to Skillet

   Pour the dissolved broth into the skillet with garlic, bring to a gentle simmer.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium simmer (≈190°F)

8. Incorporate Cream

   Stir in the heavy cream, reduce heat to medium‑low and let the sauce thicken for 3‑4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium‑low (≈180°F)

9. Add Vegetables

   Add the thawed edamame and blanched broccoli to the sauce, mix gently for 1 minute to heat through.

   Time: PT1M

10. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain Pasta

    Before draining, ladle 1 cup of pasta cooking water into a bowl, then drain the pasta using a colander.

    Time: PT1M

11. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. If the sauce looks dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Continue tossing for 2 minutes to let starch thicken the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

12. Finish with Parmesan

    Remove skillet from heat, stir in grated Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasoning.

    Time: PT1M

13. Plate and Serve

    Divide pasta among plates, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

400

Protein

12g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

15g

Fiber

5g