Spicy Orecchiette With Broccoli

3.2

(66)

This 30-minute pasta is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

4

Our spicy orecchiette with broccoli comes together in 30 minutes and uses a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen: olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, orecchiette, broccoli, and Parmesan. We’re big fans of the ear-shaped pasta, but you can use another pasta in place of the orecchiette, preferably one with twists or crevices to hold onto pieces of broccoli.

Directions

Cook and drain pasta, reserving some pasta water:

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
Cook garlic and red pepper flakes:

While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add broccoli and cook:

Add broccoli and 1/2 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until broccoli begins to soften, about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until water has evaporated and broccoli is crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Add broccoli mixture to pasta and serve:

To pasta in pot, add broccoli mixture, Parmesan (reserving some for later), and enough pasta water to create a thin sauce that coats pasta. Serve sprinkled with remaining Parmesan.