Pasta Shells With Broccoli Anchovies Recipes

PASTA WITH BROCCOLI AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Rinse the broccoli and cut it into bite-size florets. If you're feeling thrifty, you can peel and slice the "trunk" into bite-size pieces, too, although using florets only makes for an attractive presentation.
• Peel the garlic and mince it fine. Chop the anchovies fine, discarding any excess oil.
• Heat the olive oil in a small saute pan or skillet over medium-low heat and gently cook the minced garlic with a small shake of dried red-pepper flakes (just enough for an accent; you don't want a fiery dish) until the garlic turns translucent and aromatic. Stir in the chopped anchovies and continue poaching gently for a few minutes, stirring until the anchovies dissolve into the oil. Set aside and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, heat a large pot full of lightly salted water and cook the broccoli and pasta together until the pasta is done; at that point the broccoli will be very soft.
• Drain the broccoli and pasta, catching a bit of the pasta water in a measuring cup. Put the broccoli and pasta in a warm serving bowl and toss with the anchovy and garlic oil and, if necessary, a bit of the pasta water to achieve a thick saucy texture. Serve with crusty bread and a salad as a hearty side dish or main course.

SPICY PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, ANCHOVY, AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Set an oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Toss broccoli in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt; spread on a large baking sheet.
• Broil in the preheated oven until broccoli is tender and beginning to brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until anchovies dissolve into the oil, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with pepper. Mix in roasted broccoli.
• Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add broccoli-anchovy mixture and mix well. Drizzle remaining olive oil on top.

MELTED BROCCOLI PASTA WITH CAPERS AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente, about 9 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast the bread crumbs. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large, high-sided sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and sauté until the crumbs are golden brown and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into the pan. Add the anchovies and sauté until they disintegrate, about 1 minute. Add the capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, and remove from the heat.
• When the pasta is ready, reserve 1½ cups (360 ml) of pasta water with a measuring cup, then drain the pasta. Add the broccoli and reserved pasta water to the pan and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer, using a wooden spoon to break the florets into small pieces as they become more tender, until the water is reduced by about half and you've been able to break apart enough florets that you're left with a very chunky mixture, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the pan. Cook, tossing and stirring, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add half the toasted bread crumbs, and toss again to combine. Serve garnished with the remaining toasted bread crumbs.