Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the orecchiette according to package directions. Rinse and drain well.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add half of the cooked pasta and let it develop a medium brown crust on one side, about 3 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until other side browns as well.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy pasta to a saucepot. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta and another 3 tablespoons of oil.
- Cover the saucepot to keep the crispy pasta warm.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and slivered garlic, cooking for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3 minutes longer.
- Combine the broccoli mixture with the crispy pasta. Add the balsamic vinegar, butter chunks, and toasted pine nuts.
- Toss everything over medium heat until the butter melts into a silky sauce.
- Add half of the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Divide among four warm bowls and serve with extra black pepper and the remaining Parmesan.
Nutrition
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties. The pine nuts are worth the splurge for their buttery texture and flavor, but walnuts can be substituted in a pinch. This dish can be customized with different vegetables like cauliflower or broccolini if preferred. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
