This vibrant dish combines crispy Brussels sprouts with tender broccolini and al dente orecchiette, tossed together in a light yet savory garlic butter sauce. The burst of flavor from the fresh vegetables and the slight crunch of the Brussels sprouts makes each bite a delightful experience.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta is both quick to prepare and full of satisfying flavors. It’s easy to make, healthy, and will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or add a little protein to the mix – this recipe is versatile and guaranteed to be a hit.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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1/2 pound orecchiette pasta
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh lemon zest (optional)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet, cut side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Remove Brussels sprouts from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add broccolini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Return the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, and add the cooked orecchiette pasta, tossing everything together. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry.
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Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and stir in grated Parmesan.
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Garnish with fresh lemon zest before serving (optional).
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Perfect Balance of Vegetables and Pasta: Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette
If you’re looking for a healthy yet flavorful pasta dish that brings together the richness of vegetables and the comforting nature of pasta, this Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette is a perfect choice. It’s a simple, fresh, and satisfying dish that can easily be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The key to this dish is its balance—crispy Brussels sprouts, tender broccolini, and a perfectly cooked batch of orecchiette pasta, all tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group of friends, this dish is sure to please.
The Health Benefits of Broccolini and Brussels Sprouts
Both broccolini and Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, making them perfect additions to any meal. Broccolini, a hybrid between Chinese broccoli and broccoli, has a delicate, sweet flavor and offers a high amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. It is also rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help with digestion and boost immunity. Broccolini is also a great source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
On the other hand, Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables that come with their own impressive health benefits. Rich in vitamin K, Brussels sprouts support bone health and help reduce inflammation. They also provide a good dose of fiber, which aids in digestion, as well as antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress. Additionally, Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, compounds that may have cancer-preventing properties. Together, these vegetables create a nutrient-dense base for your pasta dish, making it not only delicious but also highly beneficial for your health.
Orecchiette: A Pasta with Character
Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is a traditional pasta shape from the region of Puglia in southern Italy. The pasta is shaped like small, curved discs, making it the perfect vehicle for sauces and vegetables. Orecchiette’s unique shape allows it to hold onto the garlic butter sauce and any bits of vegetables, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The slightly chewy texture of orecchiette adds a lovely contrast to the tender broccolini and crispy Brussels sprouts, making it an excellent pasta choice for this dish.
Why This Recipe Works: Simple Yet Flavorful
This Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette pasta works so well because of its simplicity. The garlic butter sauce enhances the flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them. The Brussels sprouts get crispy and caramelized in the pan, offering a deep, savory flavor that complements the freshness of the broccolini. The pasta, cooked to perfection, serves as a comforting base for these vibrant vegetables. The Parmesan cheese that is sprinkled on top adds a creamy richness that pulls everything together.
Another reason this recipe shines is because of its versatility. You can easily adapt the vegetables depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season. While broccolini and Brussels sprouts are the stars in this dish, feel free to swap them out for other veggies like kale, spinach, or even zucchini. You can also add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, and with a simple substitution, it can be made vegan as well.
The Importance of Sautéing the Vegetables
The process of sautéing the Brussels sprouts and broccolini in olive oil until they become golden and crispy is one of the key steps to achieving the dish’s delicious flavor. This step not only adds texture but also deepens the flavors. The caramelization that happens when the Brussels sprouts hit the hot pan enhances their natural sweetness, balancing out the slight bitterness they can sometimes have. Sautéing the broccolini for a few minutes until it’s tender also helps to preserve its bright green color and flavor. Together, these vegetables become a beautiful and vibrant topping for your pasta.
Customizing the Dish: Add Your Own Twist
This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with ingredients to make it your own. Here are some ideas for variations:
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Add protein: To turn this dish into a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for a plant-based protein option.
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Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick. The mild heat from the red pepper flakes balances out the richness of the garlic butter and adds another layer of flavor.
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Go vegan: For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also works well to add a cheesy, savory flavor.
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Mix up the veggies: While Brussels sprouts and broccolini are a fantastic combination, you can swap them out for other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or asparagus. Feel free to experiment with what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
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Add nuts or seeds: For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. This adds a nice contrast to the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
Pairing This Dish with Wine
A great way to elevate this meal is by pairing it with the perfect wine. Given the richness of the garlic butter sauce and the earthy flavors of the vegetables, a crisp white wine or a light red wine would pair beautifully. A Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright acidity and citrus notes, complements the fresh flavors of the broccolini and Brussels sprouts while cutting through the richness of the sauce. Alternatively, a light Pinot Noir or Chianti would work well with the dish’s savory flavors and provide a slight earthiness that complements the roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette pasta makes for a wonderful main dish, but you can also pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. If you love bread, serve a slice of warm, toasted sourdough or garlic bread on the side to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Conclusion: A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Meal
In conclusion, this Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette pasta is the perfect dish for those who want something simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. The combination of sautéed vegetables, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that is not only satisfying but also full of nutritional benefits. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both comforting and fresh—ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This dish’s versatility allows you to get creative with substitutions, so you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes. Whether you make it vegan, add protein, or experiment with different vegetables, the result will always be a delicious and wholesome meal. So, next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy pasta option, give this Broccolini and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette a try—you won’t be disappointed.