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nicole kidman s pasta dish

Crispy Orecchiette with Broccoli

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This sophisticated pasta dish features a delightful contrast of textures with crispy pan-fried orecchiette and tender broccoli florets. Bright flavors of lemon and white wine cut through the richness, while balsamic vinegar adds unexpected depth. Finished with buttery pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan, it's perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 7 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic slivered
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets
  • 1 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter cut into chunks
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet
  • Saucepot
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the orecchiette according to package directions. Rinse and drain well.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  3. 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.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy pasta to a saucepot. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta and another 3 tablespoons of oil.
  5. Cover the saucepot to keep the crispy pasta warm.
  6. 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.
  7. Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3 minutes longer.
  8. Combine the broccoli mixture with the crispy pasta. Add the balsamic vinegar, butter chunks, and toasted pine nuts.
  9. Toss everything over medium heat until the butter melts into a silky sauce.
  10. Add half of the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
  11. Divide among four warm bowls and serve with extra black pepper and the remaining Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcal

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.

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