Go Back

Broccolini Pasta

Broccolini Pasta is a vibrant dish that combines the earthy flavors of broccolini with comforting pasta, enhanced by garlic, olive oil, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)

Broccolini

  • 1 bunch broccolini (approximately 8-10 ounces), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

Olive Oil

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Garlic

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Red Pepper Flakes

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt

  • Salt, to taste

Black Pepper

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or your choice of cheese)

Lemon Juice

  • 1/2 lemon juice of half a lemon (optional, for added brightness)

Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  • In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the cut broccolini to the pot to steam and become tender.
  • Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccolini together in a colander. Rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the drained pasta and broccolini to the skillet, tossing to combine and allowing the pasta to absorb the oil and garlic flavor.
  • If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the grated cheese and toss until it melts and coats the pasta.
  • If using, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish and toss again.
  • Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

For variations, consider adding protein, experimenting with different pasta types, or incorporating other vegetables.
Keyword Easy