Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with our Cavatelli Pasta with Broccoli recipe—a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience without breaking a sweat! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that combines tender cavatelli with fresh broccoli, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the details of this culinary gem that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatelli pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- When the water reaches a full boil, add the cavatelli pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot to blanch them alongside the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
- Transfer the pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt to taste, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Plate the pasta, and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the cavatelli. This enhances the pasta's flavor from the inside out!
- Timing is Key: To achieve perfectly cooked broccoli, add it to the boiling pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This method keeps the broccoli vibrant and tender without losing its nutrients.
- Garlic Magic: Be careful not to overcook the garlic in the skillet. You want it fragrant and golden, not browned, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If the dish seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add some of the reserved pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Cheese, Please: For an extra burst of flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory finish to the dish.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add additional vegetables or proteins, such as sautéed chicken or shrimp, to make this dish your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 558kcal
Carbohydrates: 88g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
