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Broccoli Pasta with Garlic, Parmesan, and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe

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4.3 from 47 reviews

This delicious Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender broccoli florets with a flavorful onion and garlic sauce, enhanced by red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. Topped with golden toasted breadcrumbs, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 12 ounces broccoli florets
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dairy & Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare for cooking broccoli and pasta.
  2. Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn lightly browned and fragrant.
  3. Cook broccoli: Once the water is boiling, add broccoli florets and allow them to boil for 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
  4. Add garlic and spices: To the cooked onions, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then stir in red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to build a flavorful base.
  5. Combine broccoli and sauce: Use a slotted spoon or sieve to transfer the broccoli from the water into the onion mixture pot. Reserve the cooking water, scooping out 1 cup to add to the broccoli sauce. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low to meld flavors.
  6. Cook pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  7. Simmer sauce: Let the broccoli sauce simmer gently while the pasta cooks, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance melding flavors.
  8. Toast breadcrumbs: In a small frying pan, heat butter over medium heat. Once melted, add breadcrumbs and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the broccoli sauce. Stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese and half of the toasted breadcrumbs evenly.
  10. Serve: Plate the pasta and top each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for an added crunchy texture and rich flavor.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use chunky pasta shapes like fusilli or penne to hold the sauce better.
  • Red pepper flakes can be adjusted to taste for desired spiciness.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor if desired.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/broccoli-pasta-with-garlic-parmesan-and-toasted-breadcrumbs-recipe/