Ingredients:
- 1 pound of orecchiette pasta
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. Make sure to wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into florets. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions or until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
In a separate pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for approximately 2 minutes or until they turn bright green. Drain and immediately transfer the cooked broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing them for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the drained orecchiette pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the orecchiette with broccoli to a serving dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this pasta dish.
With its perfect combination of pasta, broccoli, and garlic, this orecchiette recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress your dinner guests, this dish is sure to please. Don’t hesitate to try it out and experience the delightful flavors for yourself!