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Italian Vegetarian Dinner Featured

Smashed Broccoli Pasta

A clever and healthy pasta recipe that transforms tender boiled broccoli into a rich, creamy sauce using starchy pasta water and parmesan.

Easy 10 min prep 20 min cook 30 min total 4 servings 4.9/10

Ready in

30 minutes

Makes 4 servings

About This Recipe

A clever and healthy pasta recipe that transforms tender boiled broccoli into a rich, creamy sauce using starchy pasta water and parmesan.

A brilliant technique that turns wholesome broccoli into a velvety, luscious pasta sauce.

Ratings

Expert Rating

4.9

95% confidence

Final Score

4.9

90% confidence

Category Scores

9.5

Taste

9.0

Difficulty

9.0

Presentation

9.0

Nutrition

9.5

Value

9.5

Instructions

9.0

Ingredients

9.5

Time Accuracy

9.5

Would Make Again

9.3

Overall

Cooking Timeline

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Main

12 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
2 heads broccoli florets (washed and trimmed)

Sauce

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

Seasoning

salt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment

Large pot For boiling pasta and broccoli
Large skillet For making the smashed broccoli sauce
Potato masher or fork For mashing broccoli

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook until very tender, about 8-10 minutes.
2

Remove the broccoli using a slotted spoon and transfer to a large skillet or bowl, reserving the boiling water in the pot.
3

Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4

In the skillet with the cooked broccoli, add olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mash the broccoli thoroughly with a fork or potato masher to create a sauce.
5

Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
6

Combine the cooked pasta, smashed broccoli sauce, grated parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously until a glossy, creamy sauce coats the pasta.
7

Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.