In just 15 minutes you’ll be enjoying the most flavorful pasta dish you’ve had recently, and everyone is going to love it. I don’t cook broccolini very often, because it’s not always available or in season, but when I see it at the store, I always grab a bunch or two. Recently my store has had some really beautiful broccolini available, and I had to bring it home and turn it into this simply amazing pasta dish! The most popular way to cook this veggie is to make roasted broccolini, which is always delicious because roasting brings out the nutty flavors of the stalks. But there’s an easier way to cook broccolini for pasta! In this broccolini pasta recipe, we’ll add chopped broccolini right to the boiling water with the pasta, so that both are done at the same time and in the same pot. If you like this super easy pasta meal, you should also check out my Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo recipe. It’s all cooked in one pot, and also features mushrooms and veggies. French Onion Pasta is another favorite that you have to try, with caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In This Broccolini Pasta Recipe
Here’s what you need to make this super simple pasta recipe featuring broccolini and mushrooms:
Broccolini – Look for firm stalks without soft spots or dry ends. Depending on where you live, broccolini is sometimes called “tenderstem” or “baby broccoli”. Mushrooms – White button mushrooms are perfect for this recipe, or try the darker, meatier baby bella or cremini mushrooms. Pasta – Use your favorite type! I’m using rigatoni here, but I’ve also done this with linguini, penne, and farfalle. Butter, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes – Along with a bit of salt and pepper, these three make the most delectable and simple pasta sauce. Parmesan Cheese – I highly recommend buying parmesan in a wedge and grating it fresh over your pasta. The flavor and texture is so much better this way.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Cook Broccolini Pasta
Recipe Tips
Broccolini is completely edible! The stems are just as tender and delicious as the florets, and the leaves are tasty too. Be sure to save some pasta water. Starchy pasta water is the magic ingredient for making a creamy, silky sauce without any actual milk or cream! Use a timer. You don’t want to overcook the pasta, and you want to boil the broccolini for 3 minutes at the end of the pasta cooking time. So set a timer for the pasta cooking time, minus 3 minutes to keep you on track in the kitchen! Don’t overcook the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly (about 30-60 seconds), and burnt garlic tastes terrible, so keep an eye on it as you cook, and be ready to add the pasta and pasta water right away.
Storing Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish is best if enjoyed right away, but it’s pretty tasty reheated too! Add a bit of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
What To Serve With Broccolini Pasta
As a hearty vegetarian pasta meal, this dish is perfect! If you need some extra protein, you may want to add some chickpeas or cannellini beans.
Otherwise, this veggie pasta dish makes a great side to grilled or roasted meats. Try it with Grilled T-Bone Steaks, Grilled Salmon, or my Easy Roast Chicken recipe.
You might also like to try my easy Chicken Mushroom Pasta with a garlicky cream sauce.
Pick up a bunch of broccolini the next time you see it at the store or farmer’s market! You’ll be able to turn it into this simple and delicious broccolini pasta dish in just a few minutes.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
