Melted Broccoli Pasta With Capers and Anchovies

Ingredients for Melted Broccoli Pasta With Capers and Anchovies

• Kosher salt

• 2 heads (about 450g , or 454g, total) broccoli, cut into bitesize florets

• 350g (340 g) whole-wheat penne pasta, or other short tubular pasta

• 45ml (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 240ml (54 g) panko or Freezer Bread Crumbs 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets

• 40g (36 g) capers, chopped if large (rinsed well if salt-packed)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a large bowl.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente, about 9 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast the bread crumbs. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large, high-sided sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and sauté until the crumbs are golden brown and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into the pan. Add the anchovies and sauté until they disintegrate, about 1 minute. Add the capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, and remove from the heat.

When the pasta is ready, reserve 350ml (360 ml) of pasta water with a measuring cup, then drain the pasta. Add the broccoli and reserved pasta water to the pan and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer, using a wooden spoon to break the florets into small pieces as they become more tender, until the water is reduced by about half and you've been able to break apart enough florets that you're left with a very chunky mixture, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the pasta to the pan. Cook, tossing and stirring, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add half the toasted bread crumbs, and toss again to combine. Serve garnished with the remaining toasted bread crumbs.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.