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A plate of spaghetti with broccolini, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, served with two pieces of toasted bread. A small bowl of red pepper flakes and a drink are in the background.
Melissa Jo

Best Pasta Broccolini Recipe

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Pasta Broccolini is an easy main course with bundles of broccolini, at least 1/4 cup of good extra virgin olive oil, and calabrian chili oil in every delicious bite.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bundles of broccolini stems cut off
  • At least 1/4 cup of good extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp of Calabrian chili oil
  • 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper
  • 7-8 cloves of sliced garlic
  • 1 tsp of kosher salt
  • 1 tsp of cracked black pepper
  • 1 lb. of spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup of dry white Italian wine e.g., Dogajolo Toscano
  • About 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano Cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley basil, and more Pecorino Romano

Method
 

Prepare the Broccolini:
  1. Chop off the stems of the broccolini and wash them thoroughly.
Sauté the Broccolini:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add Calabrian chili oil and broccolini. Sauté for about 5 minutes and season with kosher salt.
Prepare the Pasta:
  1. Start boiling a pot of water and heavily salt it.
  2. Once boiling, add spaghetti and boil for two minutes less than the box directions indicate.
Enhance the Broccolini:
  1. Add garlic, crushed red pepper, and cracked black pepper to the broccolini. Sauté for a few more minutes, adjusting olive oil if needed.
Deglaze and Simmer:
  1. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of white wine. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to burn off and the broccolini to soften.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the skillet and simmer, reducing for a few more minutes.
Combine and Season:
  1. Add the pasta directly to the pan a couple of minutes before it's done. Mix it with the other ingredients and let it simmer a bit.
  2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add the Finishing Touches:
  1. Turn off the heat and immediately add Pecorino Romano to the pan, tossing to combine.
  2. Transfer the pasta to a family-sized serving bowl and mix in the broccolini and sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, basil, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano.
  2. Serve with garlic bread for a complete and delightful meal.

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Notes

  • Al dente pasta: Boil the pasta slightly less than the suggested time on the box for that perfect, slightly firm texture.
  • Toss before serving: Make sure to mix the pasta and sauce just before serving to retain the flavors.
  • Customize the heat: Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Calabrian chili oil and crushed red pepper.
  • Freshness matters: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best taste.

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