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Broccoli Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

This simple yet flavorful dish combines al dente pasta with bright green, tender broccoli tossed in fragrant garlic and rich olive oil. The result is a comforting, visually vibrant plate with a silky texture and bold, clean flavors that evoke nostalgia and homey warmth.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g pasta (spaghetti or bucatini) cook until just al dente
  • 300 g broccoli florets bright green and tender-crisp
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or smashed
  • 3-4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • to taste salt for pasta water and seasoning
  • to taste black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1/2 lemon lemon (optional) for brightness
  • parmesan or pecorino to taste cheese (optional) for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cup
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes, until it has a slight firmness when bitten. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers gently and starts to smell fragrant.
  3. Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30-60 seconds, until it releases a fragrant aroma and turns just golden at the edges. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp to the bite. If they start to brown, lower the heat slightly.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together, cooking for another minute until the mixture is well coated and silky.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. For an extra bright note, squeeze over half a lemon, or sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Transfer to a serving plate or serve directly from the skillet, drizzling with a little extra olive oil if you like.

Notes

For added richness, sprinkle Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Using fresh garlic and good-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor.