Your New Favorite Weeknight Wonder!
Let’s be real: weeknight dinners need to be fast, easy, and delicious. Enter this incredible Spicy Broccolini Pasta! In just 25 minutes, you can have a vibrant, satisfying meal on the table that tastes like you spent way more time on it. We’re talking perfectly al dente pasta tossed with tender-crisp Broccolini, all coated in a light, savory sauce with a delightful kick of heat. The little cups of the orecchiette are perfect for catching every bit of flavor. This is the kind of simple, elegant dish that saves the day when you’re short on time but craving something truly comforting.
Ingredients
• 12 ounces / 340g orecchiette or medium shell pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cups chopped Broccolini or broccoli florets
• 1 cup / 240 ml vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, adjust to your spice preference
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook your pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss gently to prevent sticking. Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm.2. While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped Broccolini and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until it’s bright green and slightly charred in spots.3. Carefully pour the vegetable broth into the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper. Stir everything together.4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the Broccolini is crisp-tender. You still want it to have a nice bite!5. Pour the Broccolini and all the savory sauce from the skillet into the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently until well combined. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving:
• Calories: 404
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 214 mg
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Pasta
• For a brighter, fresher flavor, finish the dish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving.
• Boost the protein by tossing in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white cannellini beans with the Broccolini mixture in the final step.
• Add a clove or two of thinly sliced garlic to the skillet with the Broccolini for an extra layer of aromatic, savory flavor.
• Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty finish.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian pasta
A: To easily boost the protein, add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white cannellini beans when you toss the pasta and Broccolini together. For another option, top the finished dish with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra protein and a delightful crunch.
Q: Is this spicy broccolini pasta recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as written. It uses olive oil and vegetable broth with no dairy or animal products. To maintain its vegan status, simply use a vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for the optional cheesy topping.
Q: What can I substitute for Broccolini
A: Regular broccoli florets are an excellent and easy substitute for Broccolini. You could also use other quick-cooking green vegetables like chopped asparagus, sliced zucchini, or hearty greens like kale. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they become crisp-tender.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers
A: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to rehydrate the sauce. You can also microwave it until warm.
