Smashed Broccoli Penne
pasta / quick meals / meat free
Aglio E Olio style penne with tons of broccoli smashed into a sauce to make even kids like their veggies!
Since having my baby, I am all about the simple, easy to make & nourishing recipes. I mean, I was always about these types of recipes, but now I really appreciate the meals that actually do under 30 minutes to throw together. This smashed broccoli penne takes such little effort but packs in all the flavor and most importantly, all the nutrients in just a few simple ingredients.
My Nonnie made this pasta for us growing up when we didn’t have much time to cook dinner because of how quick it was to cook up. It takes after Agli E Olio, which is a simple olive oil pasta she made all the time, but uses broccoli that is par-boiled and smashed in the garlic and oil that makes up this delicious and rustic sauce.
Here are the Ingredients for this Smashed Broccoli Penne:
Produce - Broccoli, Garlic
Seasonings - Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes,
Pantry - Penne, Olive Oil
Dairy - Parmesan
Smashed Broccoli Penne
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan grated
- 1/4 pasta water
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water. When boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 5 minutes until bright green and softened. You don’t want the broccoli mushy, but soft enough to smash. Remove broccoli when done and add the penne directly in the boiling water and cook until al dente.
- In a large pan, sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in the olive oil until fragrant. Add in the broccoli to the pan with the salt and smash.
- Add the cooked penne to the broccoli with the pasta water. Add the parmesan and mix well.
- Serve with more parmesan and enjoy!
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