Cavatelli with Broccoli

Here’s a recipe for cavatelli with broccoli:

Ingredients

• Cavatelli: 400 g
• Broccoli: 1 kg (divided into florets)
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves
• Red chili pepper: 1 (or to taste, depending on your preference for spiciness)
• Extra virgin olive oil: 4 tablespoons
• Salt: to taste
• Water: for cooking broccoli and pasta
• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese: to taste, for serving

Preparation

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli and divide into florets. You can also use the stems, peeling them and cutting into small pieces.

2. Cook the Broccoli: In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but still crunchy. Drain the broccoli, preserving the cooking water.

3. Cook the Cavatelli: In the same water used for cooking the broccoli, cook the cavatelli until al dente, following the instructions on the package.

4. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, in a large pan, heat the olive oil and add the chopped garlic and chili pepper. Sauté over medium heat until the garlic turns golden.

5. Combine with Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and slightly crush with a wooden spoon. Mix well to flavor.

6. Add the Cavatelli: Drain the cavatelli, reserving some of the cooking water, and add them to the pan with the broccoli. Stir well to blend the ingredients.

7. Serve: Serve the cavatelli with broccoli hot, sprinkling with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to taste.

Tips

• Broccoli Texture: Make sure the broccoli is tender but not too mushy.
• Cooking Water: Use the cooking water to keep the pasta moist and to add flavor.
• Chili Pepper: Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to how spicy you want the dish to be.
• Variations: You can add anchovies or bacon sautéed with the garlic for an additional touch of flavor.

Cavatelli with broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal. Enjoy your meal!