Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this mouthwatering Broccoli and Garlic Breadcrumb Spaghetti – a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 25 minutes! Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked pasta, coated with crispy, golden breadcrumbs and tender broccoli, each bite promising a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, wash broccoli florets and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add breadcrumbs to the skillet and toast, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets directly to the boiling pasta water to blanch.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the pot, add toasted garlic breadcrumbs, and toss to combine. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help ingredients mix.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Salt is your flavor friend: Be generous with salt in your pasta water – it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Toasting breadcrumbs is an art: Keep a close eye and stir constantly to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
- Timing is crucial: Add broccoli to the pasta water in the last few minutes to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together perfectly.
- For extra richness, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Don't skip the Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese adds a luxurious, salty depth that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 3mg
