Satisfaction…a delicious pasta that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

I am enthralled with Pasta with Broccoli lately.

I usually select bow tie or spaghetti and cook it the minimum amount of time prescribed on the box.

Last night I cooked a half box of Barilla fettuccine  for 10 minutes.

Save 1 cup of pasta water if you are making the dish for 2 before pouring pasta into the colander.

You need 1 bag of broccoli (or a head) cut up into tiny trees (florets). I usually cut off the stems.

EVOO

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Red Chili Pepper flakes for a bit of spice

1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano

If you are looking for the easy way out, throw the fresh uncooked broccoli in with the boiling pasta

If not then my preferred method is to heat the EVOO in a medium size skillet. Add salt & pepper.

Toss in the broccoli and sauté until bright green and very tender.

Sprinkle in desired amount of red chili pepper flakes.

While sautéing I dip my measuring cup into the boiling pasta and add 1/4 pasta water and sprinkle in some Parmesan.

The more love and attention you show the dish by layering in the pasta water and Parmesan the richer the sauce and don’t ignore the boiling pasta… frequently stir the pot.

When the pasta is finished take the desired amount and toss in with the sautéed broccoli (1/2 box feeds 2).

Add a 1/4 cup pasta water and let the liquid reduce.

Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan.

Treat yourself and toss in a tablespoon of butter.

When water is absorbed and butter melted give the mixture a few spins around the skillet.

Thats it.

Twirl the pasta into bowls and garnish with the remainder of the grated Parmesan cheese…beyond delicious, fast and inexpensive?