Craving a quick, delicious Italian pasta dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean? Look no further than this mouthwatering Sea Shell Con Broccoli recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta shells nestled with vibrant broccoli, kissed with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of spicy red pepper - this dish is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sea shell pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add sea shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot to cook simultaneously, ensuring they remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- While pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
- Transfer pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic and olive oil, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute seasonings.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, giving a final gentle toss.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- • For the best texture, cook your pasta al dente - it should have a slight bite and not be mushy • Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor, and be careful not to burn it when sautéing • Reserve some pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta • Choose fresh, crisp broccoli florets and don't overcook them; they should remain bright green and slightly tender • Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most robust flavor • If you like extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly • For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
