Pasta with Broccoli (Laura in the Kitchen Style)

Ingredients

• 12 oz Short pasta (e.g. rigatoni, penne, or rotini) (Any short pasta works; rigatoni used in video)
• 1 large head (about 4 cups florets) Fresh broccoli florets (Cut into small bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (Extra virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves Fresh garlic (Thinly sliced)
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup Chicken stock (Low-sodium preferred; use vegetable stock or pasta water for vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp Butter (Unsalted)
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) (Freshly grated; plus extra for serving)
• to taste Salt (For pasta water and seasoning)
• to taste Black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the broccoli and garlic

   Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.

   Time: PT5M

2. Boil water for pasta

   Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt.

   Time: PT5M

3. Infuse olive oil with garlic

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic to the cold oil and slowly bring up the heat, allowing garlic to gently sizzle and infuse the oil for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

   Time: PT3M

4. Add red pepper flakes

   Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring.

   Time: PT0M30S

5. Sauté broccoli

   Add broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to coat in the garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium to medium-low heat for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT1M

6. Add chicken stock and simmer broccoli

   Pour in chicken stock (or vegetable stock/pasta water for vegetarian). Stir, cover partially, and simmer broccoli for 7-8 minutes until very tender.

   Time: PT8M

7. Cook pasta

   While broccoli simmers, add pasta to boiling water. Cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

   Time: PT10M

8. Mash broccoli slightly

   Use a wooden spoon to lightly mash some of the broccoli in the skillet, leaving some pieces whole. This helps thicken the sauce.

   Time: PT1M

9. Combine pasta and finish sauce

   Increase skillet heat to high. Add drained pasta to the broccoli mixture. Add butter and grated parmesan. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until pasta is well coated and sauce is glossy.

   Time: PT2M

10. Serve

    Turn off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.

    Time: PT1M30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories

420

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

62g

Fat

13g

Fiber

5g