Broccoflower with Pasta (or Broccoli) – A Simple and Flavorful Dish
This Broccoflower with Pasta is one of those dishes that feels comforting yet fresh, simple yet bursting with flavor. The light crunch of broccoflower and the crispy pancetta come together beautifully, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. If you’re a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute the broccoflower, but we find that the slightly sweeter and milder flavor of broccoflower adds an elegant twist to this classic pasta dish. Whether you’re in a rush or just want something comforting, this recipe, which takes only about 25 minutes, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Vegetable, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets or broccoflower | 12 florets |
| Olive oil | 6 tablespoons |
| Pancetta, diced | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 8 cloves |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Bread crumbs (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Orecchiette pasta | 1 pound |
| Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (for serving) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 551.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 16.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 209.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 85 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 3.3 g |
| Protein Content | 15.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Broccoflower: Begin by chopping the broccoflower into small florets, discarding any tough, woody stems. If you are using broccoli instead, the process remains the same.
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Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. As the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoflower for the next step.
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Blanch the Broccoflower: Just before the pasta is done cooking, add the broccoflower florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Allow the florets to cook for about 2 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pasta and broccoflower, and set them aside. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables.
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Prepare the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the diced pancetta and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it begins to crisp up. The pancetta will render its fat, adding a lovely savory flavor to the dish.
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Infuse the Oil with Flavor: Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using) to the pancetta. Continue to cook for another minute, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. The chili flakes will add a gentle heat to the dish, balancing the richness of the pancetta.
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Combine the Broccoflower and Pasta: Once the garlic has been tinged with gold, add the blanched broccoflower florets to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring that the flavors meld for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The flavors will deepen, creating a fragrant, flavorful base for the pasta.
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Add the Bread Crumbs (Optional): If you like a bit of texture and extra flavor, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the mixture in the skillet. Allow the crumbs to toast in the pan for another 2 minutes, absorbing the flavors and adding a crispy element to the dish. This step is optional, but it brings an extra layer of crunch.
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Toss the Pasta with the Sauce: Drain the orecchiette pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the broccoflower and pancetta mixture. If the sauce needs thinning, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
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Serve: Once everything is beautifully mixed and coated, plate the pasta. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle the dish generously with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese just before serving. The cheese will melt over the warm pasta, adding a creamy, savory finish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is simple yet elegant and pairs well with a fresh side salad or a piece of crusty bread. You can enjoy it as a light, satisfying vegetarian main dish, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more robust meal. If you’re a fan of spicy food, feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your heat tolerance, or even add a few fresh basil leaves for an herby finish.
Pro Tips
- Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the pancetta and cheese. You can replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or simply enjoy the dish with the natural flavors of the broccoflower and garlic.
- Substitute for Broccoflower: If broccoflower is unavailable, you can substitute with regular broccoli or cauliflower. Both are delicious options that will still give you a delightful flavor profile.
- For a Lighter Version: Omit the bread crumbs if you’re looking for a lighter meal. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without them, especially if you add a bit more garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
This Broccoflower with Pasta is a quick and wholesome meal that will bring joy to your table. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your time constraints. Enjoy!
