Elbow Macaroni with Crispy Breadcrumbs and Broccoli
- Kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 12 ounces)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until they are crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes, taking care not to let them burn.
- Scrape into a small bowl and toss with the lemon zest and parsley and then season with salt.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente while you make the sauce.
- Wipe out the skillet used to toast the breadcrumbs and return it to medium-high heat.
- Add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and, when the oil is hot, add the broccoli and toss to coat.
- Saute until it turns bright green, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and pepper flakes.
- Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute, then pour in the stock.
- Simmer until the broccoli is tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
- When the pasta is done, scoop it out of the water with a spider or a small strainer and add directly to the sauce, reserving the pasta water.
- Simmer the pasta with the sauce just to blend the flavors, 1 to 2 more minutes, then drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and toss again.
- If the sauce seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Off the heat, stir in the cheese.
- Serve in warmed bowls and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Photograph by Kana Okada
kosher salt, extravirgin olive oil, breadcrumbs, lemon, fresh italian parsley, elbow macaroni, broccoli, clove garlic, red pepper, chicken stock, freshly grated parmigiano
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/elbow-macaroni-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-and-broccoli.html (may not work)