Mediterranean Broccoli Pasta with White Beans
Simple, hearty Mediterranean bean and broccoli pasta, tossed in a light olive oil sauce, and flavored with a few spices and herbs including oregano and fresh parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and some toasted pine nuts seal the deal!
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 3/4 lb elbow macaroni, whole wheat if possible
- 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, more if you like spicy
- 1 lb frozen broccoli florets, thawed (see notes for using fresh broccoli)
- 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 toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package until al dante. I like to add a little olive oil to the cooking water. Before you drain pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Add the cooked pasta and about 1/3 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.
- 5
Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, more za’atar spice, and more crushed red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy!