Go Back

Mediterranean Broccoli Pasta with White Beans

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 Lb elbow macaroni whole wheat if possible
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 6-8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper more if you like spicy
  • 1 Lb fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 can Cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp Za'atar spice blend more for later
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup roasted pine nuts

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package until al dente. I like to add a little olive oil to the cooking water. Cut broccoli into small florets and cook them right in the pasta water. If you like your broccoli more on the done side, cook it along with the pasta at the same time (the entire 9 minutes or so that the pasta cooks). Or, for a quick blanch, just enough to soften the broccoli, add the broccoli florets to the cooking pasta water during the last 1 minute of cooking. When pasta is ready,drain both the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Before you drain pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
  • In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring regularly, until translucent. Add garlic, oregano,Aleppo pepper, and crushed pepper flakes. Stir till fragrant.
  • Now add thawed broccoli florets. Cook 4 minutes,tossing regularly. Add cannellini beans. And season with salt and pepper. Cook another 3 minutes or so, tossing regularly.
  • Add the cooked pasta and about ⅓ cup of the reserved cooking water into the pot. Add fresh parsley, za'atar spice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. If you need to, add a little bit more of the pasta cooking water to help combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning.Cook until everything is very well warmed through.
  • Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, more za'atar spice, and more crushed red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy!
Keyword Broccoli, Broccolini, Garlic, Onion