This comforting pasta dish is a perfect weeknight dinner solution, blending the earthy sweetness of broccoli with the satisfying chew of shell pasta. The sauce is a simple yet elegant mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic, and dried herbs like basil and oregano, creating a fragrant base that coats every piece. The addition of diced pepperoni adds a subtle smoky spice, while a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty richness that ties the flavors together. Its a balanced meal that feels homemade and hearty without requiring hours in the kitchen. The texture is vibrant, with the broccoli providing a nice crunch against the soft pasta. Ideal for busy evenings, this recipe uses pantry staples to create a dish that appeals to both adults and children. Its a straightforward, delicious way to get your vegetables in while enjoying a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Shells With Broccoli
Description
This comforting pasta dish is a perfect weeknight dinner solution, blending the earthy sweetness of broccoli with the satisfying chew of shell pasta. The sauce is a simple yet elegant mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic, and dried herbs like basil and oregano, creating a fragrant base that coats every piece. The addition of diced pepperoni adds a subtle smoky spice, while a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty richness that ties the flavors together. Its a balanced meal that feels homemade and hearty without requiring hours in the kitchen. The texture is vibrant, with the broccoli providing a nice crunch against the soft pasta. Ideal for busy evenings, this recipe uses pantry staples to create a dish that appeals to both adults and children. Its a straightforward, delicious way to get your vegetables in while enjoying a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the shell pasta and broccoli florets to the boiling water.
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Cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
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Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over low heat.
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Add crushed garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to the oil.
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Cook the garlic mixture, stirring constantly, until the garlic is soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
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Place the drained pasta and broccoli into a large serving bowl.
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Pour the warm garlic oil mixture over the pasta.
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Add the reserved cooking water and diced pepperoni to the bowl.
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Toss everything together until well combined and coated.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 428.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.0g25%
- Saturated Fat 5.4g27%
- Cholesterol 30.4mg11%
- Sodium 7833.9mg327%
- Total Carbohydrate 48.3g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4.0g16%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 20.5g41%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Do not let the garlic brown in the oil, as it will become bitter. Keep the heat low and stir frequently.
Reserving the starchy pasta water helps emulsify the oil and coat the pasta evenly, preventing it from being dry.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese along with the reserved water.
For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
