Pasta with Broccoli, Cauliflower, or Broccoli Raab

Savor the delightful combination of vibrant greens and luscious pasta in this scrumptious recipe for Pasta with Broccoli, Cauliflower, or Broccoli Raab. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this dish promises a fulfilling and flavorful dining experience. As a quick and easy-to-prepare meal, it is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a wholesome, comforting plate of pasta.

The secret to this dish’s robust taste lies in the infusion of extra virgin olive oil, enhancing not only the cooking process but also contributing as one of the main flavors. The versatility of the recipe allows you to choose between broccoli, cauliflower, or broccoli raab, depending on your preference or availability of ingredients.

Embrace the magic of simplicity and savor the essence of fresh greens, well-cooked pasta, and the richness of olive oil, masterfully combined in this delightful recipe. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian delight or choose to elevate it with alternative toppings, this Pasta with Greens recipe is bound to impress both your palate and your guests.

MAKES: About 4 servings

TIME: About 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt
• About 1 pound broccoli, cauliflower, or broccoli raab, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, or more to taste
• 1 pound penne, ziti, or other cut pasta
• Freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Boil the broccoli, cauliflower, or broccoli raab until they are fairly tender (about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type and size of the pieces). For convenience, use the same water for boiling both the greens and the pasta.
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, pour half of the extra virgin olive oil. When hot, add the chopped garlic and cook until it starts to sizzle, approximately one minute. Keep warm.
3. Using a slotted spoon or small strainer, scoop the greens out of the boiling water and transfer them to the skillet with the garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring and mashing the greens until they are hot and soft, adding some of the pasta water if needed to help soften them further.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until it is just about but not quite done. Reserve about a cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the greens and garlic, along with a couple of tablespoons of the reserved cooking water. Toss the ingredients together using a large spoon until they are well combined. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add more pasta water as necessary to maintain a moist consistency.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

13 WAYS TO BOOST PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, OR BROCCOLI RAAB:

For those looking to add more depth and complexity to the dish, here are some delightful ideas to enhance the flavors:

• Cook dried chiles along with the garlic or stir in hot red pepper flakes during the final toss.
• Introduce minced garlic about 30 seconds before turning off the heat.
• Enhance the dish with saffron threads, cooked in the olive oil along with the garlic.
• Add Traditional Pesto or Tomato Paste when tossing the pasta and vegetables.
• Incorporate Tapenade for a burst of flavor during the final toss.
• Include sliced mushrooms to the oil along with the garlic and continue to cook until you add the vegetables.
• Add quick-cooking, fragile vegetables such as pea shoots, fresh peas, spinach, or arugula during the last 30 to 60 seconds of cooking.
• Stir in Roasted Red Pepper purée when tossing the pasta.
• Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Toasted Bread Crumbs.
• Enhance the flavor with chopped pancetta or bacon, added before the garlic, so it crisps and reduces the need for olive oil.
• Toss in anchovy fillets along with the garlic for an umami-rich twist.
• Add sliced grilled or roasted chicken during the final toss, hot or at room temperature.
• Combine any of the above ideas to create your own personalized pasta experience!

Choose from these options or combine them creatively to create a pasta dish that truly reflects your culinary imagination. Savor the rich flavors of Pasta with Broccoli, Cauliflower, or Broccoli Raab and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.