Steamed Garlic Broccoli Pasta

This is a brilliant recipe from Deb Perlman of Smitten Kitchen. Brilliant in its simplicity and its utter contrariness. Who would have thought that STEAMING pasta along with broccoli could produce such a fantastic dish!

The broccoli gets silky soft but not over cooked. The garlic is mellow, almost like it has been roasted. Using water and oil to steam it all together is the stroke of genius! It is my new favorite comfort food, and a one pot meal to boot! Can't beat that!

Steamed Garlic Broccoli Pasta

(serve 2-3)

1 lb broccoli, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
large pinch red pepper flakes
lemon zest
10 oz rotini pasta
1 cup water
1/2 cup pecorino romano, grated

Add oil and garlic to a large pot and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add broccoli and toss well and cook 2-3 minutes. Add lemon zest, red pepper flakes and pasta, and toss well. Add water and cover and cook for 7-10 minutes until pasta is just al dente and broccoli is soft. There should be almost no liquid left. Pour mixture into a serving dish and toss with most of the cheese, Portion out and top with remaining cheese and black pepper as desired.

Hugs!