Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
If you’re looking to brighten up your regular pasta night with something that’s bursting with fresh flavor and comfort, this Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe will win you over from the very first bite. It’s a joyful tangle of perfectly al dente orecchiette cradling a savory, veggie-packed broccoli sauce, lightly spiked with garlic, lemon zest, a bit of heat, and a creamy shower of cheese. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to make guests swoon, and whether you include the anchovy or keep it vegan, this dish delivers cozy Italian-inspired vibes every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. Every item works together to create layers of flavor, gorgeous color, and just the right texture in every bite.
- Orecchiette pasta: These little “ears” are perfectly shaped to scoop up every drop of our luscious sauce.
- Broccoli florets: A whole head of broccoli transforms into a velvety sauce with a vibrant green hue and earthy-sweet taste.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds fruity richness that softens the aromatics and enriches the sauce.
- Shallot: Finely diced shallot brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor that lifts the broccoli beautifully.
- Garlic: Four cloves provide that irresistible Italian aroma and a sharp, savory backbone.
- Red pepper flakes: A little heat wakes up the greens and keeps the flavors bright and lively.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Broth brings everything together and helps the broccoli transform from chunky veggie into silky sauce.
- Anchovy paste or white miso (optional): Adds incredible umami, whether you go the classic anchovy route or keep it vegan with miso.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: A generous handful melts in for creaminess and salty tang (plus extra for topping—don’t be shy!).
- Lemon zest: A hit of zest brightens the sauce and makes the broccoli positively sing.
- Baby spinach or arugula (optional): Toss in a handful for bonus color, vitamins, and a layer of leafy flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for making every ingredient shine its brightest.
- Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs (optional): For garnish—a sprinkle on top adds crunch and makes the dish feel fancy!
How to Make Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your broccoli florets. You’ll want to cook them for just 3 to 4 minutes—enough to turn them bright green and tender but still vibrant. Use a slotted spoon to rescue the broccoli, and don’t toss that water! We’re going to cook our pasta in it for a double dose of flavor (and less dishes, too).
Step 2: Cook the Orecchiette
Toss your orecchiette into the still-boiling broccoli water and cook until they’re perfectly al dente. Before draining, remember to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is our secret to a creamier, silkier sauce later on.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot first and gently cook for around 3 minutes until it softens and starts smelling sweet. Then add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring just until everything is fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown the garlic so it stays mellow and sweet.
Step 4: Make the Broccoli Sauce
Add your blanched broccoli and broth directly into the skillet. Let it cook for another 3–4 minutes as you gently break up the broccoli with a spoon or spatula—it should turn saucy but still have some texture. If you’d like a silkier finish, feel free to blend half the mixture and return it to the pan.
Step 5: Enrich and Brighten the Sauce
Stir in your anchovy paste or miso (if using), the grated cheese, lemon zest, and that beautiful handful of spinach or arugula. The greens will wilt quickly, and the cheese will start to melt, making the sauce creamy and lush.
Step 6: Finish the Pasta
Add your cooked orecchiette to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if you need a bit more creaminess or to help everything coat the pasta just right. Season generously with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust until it’s perfect for you.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon generous portions into bowls and finish with extra cheese, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs if you like, and a crack of black pepper. Dig in while it’s steamy—you’ve just made Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe!
How to Serve Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
This pasta loves a crown of freshly grated cheese—Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are both wonderful. For a bit of crunch and that restaurant-style flourish, a handful of toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs scattered on top add a whole new dimension. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a dusting of lemon zest will make every bite pop with brightness.
Side Dishes
This cozy main dish goes beautifully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. If you’re feeling festive, add a platter of roasted vegetables or a loaf of crusty Italian bread for swooping up every drop of sauce. For wine lovers, a chilled Pinot Grigio or a light red will round out your table perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To showcase Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe at its most impressive, try piling the pasta high in a big, rustic serving bowl right at the table—let your guests serve themselves for a warm, communal vibe. Or go elegant by plating individual portions and topping each with a swirl of cheese, a few pine nuts, and a microplane of fresh lemon zest for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some), transfer your cooled Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, holding onto its texture and flavor with ease. A quick toss with a splash of water or broth before reheating will revive the sauce’s silkiness.
Freezing
This recipe does well in the freezer, especially if you freeze the broccoli sauce separately from the pasta. Cool the sauce completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with fresh-cooked orecchiette.
Reheating
Gently reheat your pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of reserved pasta water, broth, or even a drizzle of olive oil to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until everything is creamy and warmed through. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe without cheese?
Absolutely! Simply use white miso for umami depth and skip the cheese altogether. The sauce will still be rich, creamy, and full of flavor—vegan and dairy-free, but no less delicious.
What can I use instead of orecchiette?
If you can’t find orecchiette, try small pasta shapes like shells (conchiglie), cavatelli, or even fusilli. The important thing is to choose a shape that holds the sauce well and gives you a satisfying bite.
How can I make the broccoli sauce even creamier?
For a silky-smooth finish, blend half (or all) of the cooked broccoli sauce in a food processor or with an immersion blender, then return it to the skillet. This little extra step turns your broccoli into a luxuriously creamy sauce with no dairy required!
What’s the best way to toast pine nuts or breadcrumbs for garnish?
For pine nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking often, until golden and fragrant. For breadcrumbs, sauté in a splash of olive oil until crisp and toasty—watch them like a hawk, as they go from perfect to burned fast.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Just use a larger pot and skillet as needed, and adjust your seasonings to taste. It’s perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want to make friends and neighbors very, very happy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe in your own kitchen. Whether you savor it solo or serve it family-style, it’s the kind of meal that brings a little extra joy to the table. Give it a go and let every forkful remind you just how magical a few humble ingredients can become!
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Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delectable Orecchiette with Broccoli Sauce, a truly remarkable dish that combines the flavors of tender broccoli, zesty lemon, and savory cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Orecchiette Pasta:
12 ounces
Broccoli Florets:
6 cups (about 1 large head)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons
Shallot:
1 small (finely diced)
Garlic:
4 cloves (minced)
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable or Chicken Broth:
2 cups
Anchovy Paste or White Miso:
1 teaspoon (optional)
Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup (plus extra for serving)
Lemon Zest:
1 teaspoon
Baby Spinach or Arugula:
1 small handful (optional)
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Toasted Pine Nuts or Breadcrumbs:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Broccoli: Cook broccoli in salted water for 3–4 minutes until tender; remove and keep water boiling.
- Cook Pasta: Boil orecchiette until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add broccoli, broth, and cook until saucy. Mix in anchovy paste or miso, cheese, lemon zest, and greens. Toss in pasta, using reserved water to create a creamy sauce. Season and serve.
Notes
- For a vegan version, skip the cheese and use miso for depth.
- Blending half the broccoli mix creates a silkier sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
