Pasta with Broccoli (or Rabe)

By jdiggans

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 lb broccoli or broccoli rabe
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 lb penne, ziti or other pasta
• Freshly ground black pepper

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring water to boil in a large pot and add salt. Boil the vegetables until they are fairly tender, 5 to 10 minutes, depending upon what you use (broccoli rabe is faster) and the size of the chunks. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low; add the garlic and cook until it begins to sizzle. Scoop the vegetables out of the pot with a slotted spoon or strainer.
2. Drop the vegetables in the skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring and mashing, until they're soft and hot.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. When it's almost (but not quite) done, drain it, reserving about a cup of the water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the vegetables and 2 tablespoons of the reserved water. Toss it all with a large spoon until well combined. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, along with more of the pasta water to keep the mixture from drying out. Serve.