Description
Skillet ricotta pasta with roasted broccoli delivers creamy comfort and green vegetable goodness in one delightful pan. Parmesan cheese and herbal notes elevate this simple Italian-inspired meal, making dinner both easy and satisfying for hungry palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli florets
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional), for sprinkling
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (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
Instructions
- Position oven rack to the middle and heat to 425°F. Spread broccoli florets onto a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Roast broccoli for approximately 20 minutes, allowing edges to caramelize and develop a golden-brown color with slight charring.
- Simultaneously, fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, carefully reserving pasta water before straining.
- Warm remaining olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Reduce heat and gently incorporate ricotta cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
- Introduce fresh lemon juice and reserved pasta water, whisking until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform texture. Adjust liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste the ricotta sauce and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the creamy ricotta sauce. Delicately fold in roasted broccoli florets.
- Plate the pasta, garnishing with crushed red pepper flakes and optional Parmesan cheese sprinkle for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Roast broccoli at high heat to achieve golden, caramelized edges that add depth and crispiness to the dish.
- Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a smooth, silky sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
- Cook garlic gently over low heat to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors without bitterness.
- Use a nonstick skillet to easily blend ricotta into a creamy sauce without sticking or scorching.
- Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a perfectly balanced and glossy texture.
- Customize heat and flavor by sprinkling red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 25mg