Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that screams autumn comfort? This Grilled Broccoli and Leeks Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a sensory journey that combines smoky, charred vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the rich, caramelized flavors of grilled vegetables mingling with al dente pasta, all brought together with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—this recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the broccoli florets and sliced leeks by tossing them in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, place the broccoli florets and leeks on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables have nice char marks and are tender but still crisp.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain pasta in a colander and return to the pot.
- Add grilled broccoli and leeks to the pasta. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and toss gently to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetables. Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for garnishing.
Tips
- • For the best grilling results, ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F) before adding vegetables. • Cut broccoli florets and leeks into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks. • Don't overcrowd the grill—give your vegetables space to caramelize, not steam. • Reserve pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce. • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some toasted pine nuts as a final garnish. • If you don't have a grill, you can roast the vegetables in a hot oven at 425°F for similar caramelized results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 535kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
