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–+ servings
Spicy Broccolini Pasta – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Spicy Broccolini Pasta

A fast, easy, and delicious weeknight meal featuring orecchiette pasta and tender-crisp Broccolini in a light, savory sauce with a kick of heat. Ready in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 404

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces (340 g / 12 oz) orecchiette or medium shell pasta
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil, divided
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chopped Broccolini or broccoli florets
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) dried Italian seasoning, crushed
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) crushed red pepper, adjust to your spice preference
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 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.
  • Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty finish.

Method
 

  1. Cook your pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
  3. Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot.
  4. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of olive oil and toss gently to prevent sticking.
  5. Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm. 2.
  6. While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the chopped Broccolini and a pinch of salt.
  8. 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.
  9. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper.
  10. Stir everything together. 4.
  11. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  12. 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.
  13. Pour the Broccolini and all the savory sauce from the skillet into the pot with the cooked pasta.
  14. 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.
  15. Serve immediately!
  16. Add a clove or two of thinly sliced garlic to the skillet with the Broccolini for an extra layer of aromatic, savory flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 14gFat: 9g

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