Description
Skillet ricotta pasta nestles broccoli in a creamy, herb-infused embrace. Quick Italian-inspired comfort delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (227 g) cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ to ¾ cup (120–180 ml) reserved pasta water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for topping
- Parmesan cheese (optional), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Roast Broccoli: Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat to 425°F. Distribute broccoli florets on baking sheet, coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until edges caramelize and develop golden-brown char.
- Prepare Pasta: Bring salted water to rolling boil in large pot. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
- Create Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Develop Ricotta Sauce: Reduce heat and integrate ricotta cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture. Incorporate lemon juice and reserved pasta water, whisking until sauce reaches silky consistency.
- Season and Combine: Adjust sauce seasoning with salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta to skillet, thoroughly coating with ricotta sauce. Gently fold in roasted broccoli florets.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and optional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.
Notes
- Roast Broccoli Strategically: Caramelize edges by spreading florets in a single layer, allowing even browning and maximum flavor development.
- Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Starchy liquid acts as a magical sauce binder, helping create a silky, perfectly textured ricotta coating.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Gradually add pasta water and adjust heat to achieve a creamy, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to pasta strands.
- Balance Flavors Carefully: Use fresh lemon juice and seasoning to brighten the ricotta sauce, preventing it from becoming too heavy or bland.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg