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Broccoli Pasta

A quick and healthy pasta dish with garlicky broccoli, a touch of heat, and a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound broccoli fresh or frozen
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 12 ounces short pasta your favorite kind
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan for garnishing
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cut broccoli into florets and cook in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Reserve the water.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add cooked broccoli to the skillet, pour in 1 cup of cooking water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta in the broccoli water, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  • Add pasta to the skillet with broccoli and stir in grated Parmesan. Cook for 1 more minute, adding pasta water as needed.
  • Serve with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan.

Notes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4