Pasta with pan-fried broccoli and ricotta cheese

• 10 minutes to prepare • 30 minutes to cook • Serves 4

 

10 MINUTES

I make this pasta with pan-fried broccoli and ricotta cheese recipe at least once a week in winter time, when I need a quick meal I know everyone will enjoy.
Yes, Nina loves it as well... and the best part, it’s made with just 5 ingredients (not counting salt).
Start to finish dinner is on the table in 25 minutes – a dinner time win!!

I’m really not sure why I haven’t posted this sooner.
Typically I don’t like mushy broccoli, but for this recipe I over-cook it on purpose, because then they are going to be pan-fried and mushed.
When everything is mixed in with the ricotta and Pecorino cheese, it creates a sort of pesto-like sauce that coats the pasta and Nina can’t pick out and it’s delicious!
Buon appetito!

Here's what you will need for the 4-serving recipe:

320 g penne pasta
300 g broccoli
1 clove garlic
200 g ricotta cheese
50 g Pecorino cheese
salt
EVO oil

1. Start by cleaning the broccoli: cut the stem and rinse them under running water. Then, cut the top of the florets and use a clean towel to soak up any excess water
2. Cut broccoli into small pieces
3. Boil water in a pot, add salt and once started to bubble, pour the broccoli. Let them cook for 20 minutes, then drain them
4. Boil salted water in another pot, and pour the pasta. Follow the time instructions reported on the package
5. Meanwhile, prepare the pasta sauce: in a pan pour 3 tablespoons of EVO oil, add the garlic clove unchopped to flavor the oil. Make it toast over medium heat until it becomes golden, then remove it, turn off the heat and add the broccoli. Pan fry until they become crispy, add salt whether needed
6. Pick up a ladle of cooking water and keep aside, then drain well the pasta
7. Put half of the pan-fried broccoli in a blender, together with ricotta cheese and some cooking water. Blend until you obtain a smooth cream
8. Add pasta and ricotta cheese sauce to the pan with the pan-fried broccoli. Add Pecorino cheese and stir over high heat for a few minutes ; if pasta looks dry, add some cooking water. Serve immediately!

In the following, Nutrition Facts of this dish are indicated. Data is provided per serving.