Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup butter
- 6 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups chicken stock
- salt to taste
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
plus a little more for garnish
- or to taste1 pinch red pepper flakes for garnish
Directions
- 1
Hold a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle and cut the florets from the broccoli stems into a bowl. Chop remaining stems into small pieces and transfer stems to a separate bowl.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil with butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook garlic in the hot oil-butter mixture, stirring often, until garlic is soft but not browned. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and salt. Pour chicken stock into skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir broccoli stems into the stock mixture and simmer until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add a little water or stock if mixture starts to dry out.
- 3
Stir broccoli florets into skillet and cook broccoli sauce until florets are bright green and slightly tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
- 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and stir in angel hair pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta strands are almost tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large pot.
- 5
Pour broccoli sauce over pasta, stir with a wooden spoon, and mix in 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Cover pot with a lid and let stand until pasta absorbs excess liquid and finishes cooking, about 2 minutes.
- 6
Serve in bowls and sprinkle each serving with a dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting and incredibly flavorful meal that comes together quickly? This Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta is your answer, delivering an aromatic and satisfying dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is the exquisite balance of fresh ingredients. The delicate angel hair pasta acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing a rich, savory sauce infused with generous amounts of garlic and a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes. The vibrant broccoli florets add a welcome pop of color and essential texture.
Expect a beautifully light yet deeply satisfying pasta experience. The angel hair will be tender, coated in a silky sauce made from olive oil, butter, and chicken stock, brightened by the fresh crunch of broccoli. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of robust garlic flavor, a gentle whisper of spice, and the irresistible salty tang of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. This dish isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of simple, quality ingredients expertly combined.
Feel free to make this recipe your own. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken stock for a high-quality vegetable stock. If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes, or increase them if you like a bolder kick. While angel hair is fantastic here, you could substitute it with another delicate long pasta like capellini or thin spaghetti if that's what you have on hand. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs could also add an extra textural dimension.
This Broccoli Garlic Angel Hair Pasta is a complete meal on its own, requiring little else. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy it as a hearty main course that truly satisfies.