Broccolini Pasta

Every time I think of making a quick and satisfying meal, Broccolini Pasta comes to mind. It’s that perfect dish that combines the comforting essence of pasta with the vibrant flavors of fresh broccolini. One evening, after a long day at work, I found myself rummaging through my fridge. I stumbled upon some beautiful broccolini and a few other ingredients that were just waiting to be transformed. I decided to whip up this delightful pasta, and honestly, it turned into an incredible culinary adventure. The creamy sauce clinging to the noodles, the tender broccolini, and the earthy mushrooms created a flavor profile that was simply irresistible. It’s easy to prepare yet satisfying enough to impress my family at dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into our meals!

Essential Ingredients for Broccolini Pasta

The ingredients for Broccolini Pasta work harmoniously together, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Each element plays a key role in the overall experience. The pasta serves as the heart of the dish, while the broccolini adds a fresh, vibrant crunch. The mushrooms bring an earthy depth, and the butter creates a rich sauce that ties everything together. Together, they deliver a meal that’s not just good but great!

• 8 ounces dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini
• 6-8 ounces broccolini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

The Process for Making Broccolini Pasta

Cooking Broccolini Pasta is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with tempting aromas. Let’s walk through the steps to create this wonderful dish together. By the end, you’ll understand just how simple it is to make a delicious, creamy pasta with a fresh twist.

1. Start by filling a medium-sized saucepan with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt. This will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly.

2. Next, add your chosen pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This typically takes around eight to ten minutes. Remember, you want it to be firm to the bite!

3. Three minutes before your pasta is done cooking, gently stir in the chopped broccolini. This will allow it to cook perfectly without becoming mushy. The broccolini should be vibrant green and tender yet still have a bit of crunch.

4. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for creating a silky sauce later. Use your kitchen tongs to remove the broccolini from the saucepan and set it aside, then drain the pasta.

5. While the pasta is draining, heat a 12-inch stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.

6. Now, add the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Sweat the mushrooms for about three to four minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices. You want them to be golden and fragrant.

7. Remove the cooked mushrooms from the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about thirty seconds, just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish.

8. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the butter and garlic. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, tossing everything together using your kitchen tongs. This is where the magic happens; the heat from the pasta will create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

9. Finally, gently fold in the cooked mushrooms and broccolini into the pasta. Ensure everything is well combined. Sprinkle the dish with crushed red pepper flakes, enhancing the flavor with a little heat.

10. Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Broccolini Pasta while it’s warm!

Make It Your Own

Feel free to get creative with your Broccolini Pasta. Here are some tips to help you personalize this dish:

• Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. They pair beautifully with the flavors in the dish.
• Explore Greens: While broccolini is a star, you can substitute it with broccoli, asparagus, or even kale for a different texture and taste.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish. Toss them in just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta or goat cheese, for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust it to fit your spice preference!
• Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch the next day!
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just add a splash of water when reheating to keep it creamy.

Serving Options for Broccolini Pasta

When it comes to serving Broccolini Pasta, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas:

• Side Salad: Pair your pasta with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s an indulgent addition that everyone loves!
• Lunch Delight: This dish is perfect for lunch. The flavors hold up well, making it a satisfying option for a midday meal.
• Seasonal Pairing: In spring, enjoy with fresh vegetables like peas or zucchini. In summer, consider adding some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
• Elegant Occasion: Take Broccolini Pasta to dinner parties or gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and always impresses guests.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days without losing their flavor or texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

Broccolini Pasta is a delightful dish that combines freshness and comfort in every bite. With its creamy sauce and vibrant vegetables, it’s a recipe that not only satisfies but also nourishes. I encourage you to try it out for your next dinner. You’ll love how simple yet impressive it is, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home!

Broccolini Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Broccolini Pasta is a creamy delight that combines tender broccolini and earthy mushrooms over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy weeknight dinner is not just delicious but also nutritious, making it the perfect choice for tonight's meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, bucatini, or any other long or short pasta
• 6-8 ounces broccolini chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment

• Saucepan
• 12-inch stainless steel skillet
• Kitchen tongs

Method

 

1. Start by filling a medium-sized saucepan with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt. This will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly.
2. Next, add your chosen pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This typically takes around eight to ten minutes. Remember, you want it to be firm to the bite!
3. Three minutes before your pasta is done cooking, gently stir in the chopped broccolini. This will allow it to cook perfectly without becoming mushy. The broccolini should be vibrant green and tender yet still have a bit of crunch.
4. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for creating a silky sauce later. Use your kitchen tongs to remove the broccolini from the saucepan and set it aside, then drain the pasta.
5. While the pasta is draining, heat a 12-inch stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
6. Now, add the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Sweat the mushrooms for about three to four minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices. You want them to be golden and fragrant.
7. Remove the cooked mushrooms from the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about thirty seconds, just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
8. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the butter and garlic. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, tossing everything together using your kitchen tongs. This is where the magic happens; the heat from the pasta will create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
9. Finally, gently fold in the cooked mushrooms and broccolini into the pasta. Ensure everything is well combined. Sprinkle the dish with crushed red pepper flakes, enhancing the flavor with a little heat.
10. Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Broccolini Pasta while it's warm!

Notes

• Broccolini is completely edible! The stems are just as tender and delicious as the florets, and the leaves are tasty too.
• Instead of broccolini, try this recipe with broccoli, asparagus, or kale.
• Be sure to save some pasta water. Starchy pasta water is the magic ingredient for making a creamy, silky sauce without any actual milk or cream!
• Use a timer. You don’t want to overcook the pasta, and you want to boil the broccolini for three minutes at the end of the pasta cooking time. So set a timer for the pasta cooking time, minus three minutes to keep you on track in the kitchen!
• Don’t overcook the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly (about 30-60 seconds), and burnt garlic tastes terrible, so keep an eye on it as you cook, and be ready to add the pasta and pasta water right away.
• To Store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a splash of water before reheating to loosen up the sauce.

Previous PostSweet and Spicy Gingerbread

Next Post Tartar Sauce

Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.