Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked angel hair pasta, kissed by spicy garlic and vibrant broccoli, that comes together in just 25 minutes! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary Sunday supper into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Rinse 2 cups of broccoli florets under cold water and set aside. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but if using frozen, ensure it’s thawed before cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the broccoli in the garlic and oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant green.
- During the last minute of cooking the broccoli, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. This will give the dish a nice kick. Stir to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Gently toss the pasta and broccoli together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. Continue to toss until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated with the olive oil and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- To serve, divide the peppery broccoli and angel hair pasta among four plates. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste, and enjoy your delicious Italian Sunday supper!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook angel hair pasta al dente - it should have a slight bite. Watch it carefully, as it cooks much faster than thicker pasta varieties.
- Garlic Alert: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat medium-low and watch closely. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
- Broccoli Brilliance: For the best texture, don't overcook your broccoli. It should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and provide a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Spice Control: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less, and you can always add more at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
