Yes, finally, a post of the recipe that inspired our blog’s name! It’s also another “what we had for dinner tonight” post. Lately we’ve been enjoying this dish with shrimp; we get the bag of small salad shrimp from the Trader Joe’s freezer section and toss them in just before adding the pasta and broccoli to the pan. They add a great bite-sized delicious flavour!

For more photos of the cooking process, click here. Otherwise, enjoy the following receipe.

Pasta e Broccoli della Famiglia Mercuri

rIAm’s mother has made this recipe for as long as rIAm can remember. Using fresh and classic Italian ingredients, this dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Quick preparation and delicious flavours keeps this recipe in regular rotation in both rIAm’s & jft’s, and rIAm’s family’s households.

1 pound (454 g) farfalle, or other pasta shape
1 head of broccoli, stem included
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 large cloves finely chopped or crushed garlic, or to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for serving
Salt to taste

Wash broccoli, peel stems and cut all into bite-size pieces. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender, or boil broccoli with pasta during last few minutes of pasta cooking so pasta absorbs broccoli flavour. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente preparation. When pasta is 5 minutes from ready, heat garlic and oil on medium-low in a pan large enough to hold all ingredients. As garlic begins to sizzle, add red pepper flakes and cook for one minute longer. Be sure not to burn garlic. Add broccoli, and toss to coat with oil. When pasta is done, drain well. Add to broccoli mix, and toss together over medium heat. Add cheese, salt, and more olive oil if desired, and toss well. Remove from heat and serve immediately, preferably in pasta bowls. Sprinkle with more cheese to taste. Serves 6.

Variations from rIAm & jft:
> Add in pre-cooked shrimp when adding broccoli.
> Substitute steamed cauliflower or other favourite greens (e.g. spinach, swiss chard, rapini).