Penne with Broccoli
James Carrier
Yields Makes 4 to 6 servings
AuthorHertha Verdurmen, San Francisco, California,
Don't expect crisp, bright green broccoli in this delicious sauce. Hertha Verdurmen cooks broccoli with olive oil and garlic slowly until it breaks down into a soft, flavorful pasta topping.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Rinse broccoli and trim and discard stem ends. Coarsely chop tops and stems. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, stir olive oil and garlic often until garlic sizzles, then stir in broccoli, chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is very soft and mashes easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water to pan if broccoli threatens to scorch.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, in a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 4 quarts water to a boil; add penne and cook until tender to bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and return to pan.

Step 3
3

Stir broccoli mixture into pasta along with cheese. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
 1/4 cup olive oil
 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
 1/2 teaspoon hot chili flakes
  About 1/2 teaspoon salt
  About 1/4 teaspoon pepper
 12 ounces dried penne pasta
 1/3 cup grated pecorino romano cheese

Directions

Step 1
1

Rinse broccoli and trim and discard stem ends. Coarsely chop tops and stems. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, stir olive oil and garlic often until garlic sizzles, then stir in broccoli, chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is very soft and mashes easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water to pan if broccoli threatens to scorch.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, in a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 4 quarts water to a boil; add penne and cook until tender to bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and return to pan.

Step 3
3

Stir broccoli mixture into pasta along with cheese. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Penne with Broccoli

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