Spicy Garlic Broccoli Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli

   3 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Roughly chop the broccoli into medium-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Broccoli

   1 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook until tender but vibrant green.
   • Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon, reserving the cooking water.

3. Prepare Garlic and Chili Base

   4 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   • Mince the garlic and sauté until light golden.
   • Add cayenne pepper and stir briefly to release aroma.

4. Incorporate the Broccoli

   2 min hands-on

   • Add the cooked broccoli to the pan with garlic and chili.
   • Pour in some reserved broccoli water and mash the broccoli to a coarse texture.

5. Cook the Pasta

   2 min hands-on

   • Cook the pasta in the reserved broccoli water until al dente.
   • Reserve some pasta water before draining.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Add the drained pasta to the pan with the broccoli mixture.
   • Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
   • Toss everything together over low heat.

7. Season and Finish

   1 min hands-on

   • Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta and season with salt.
   • Toss to coat the pasta evenly and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve with a Kick

   2 min hands-on

   • Plate the pasta hot and garnish with additional cayenne pepper if desired.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Use the broccoli cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency.
   • Reserve some broccoli pieces for garnish if a crunchier texture is preferred.
   • Zest the lemon before juicing for a stronger citrus flavor.
   • Consider adding nutritional yeast or Parmesan for enhanced umami.