Spicy Garlic Oil Pasta with Charred Broccoli & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta (any shape)
- 1 poundbroccoli florets
- ½ cupextra virgin olive oil
- 8 clovesgarlic
- ¾ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- 1lemon
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoonbutter
Prep
- 01
Slice 8 garlic cloves thin.
- 02
Cut 1 pound broccoli into florets.
- 03
Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and zest 1 lemon.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- 02
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- 03
In the same skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the bottoms char. Toss, then cook another 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp with charred edges. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1/4 cup olive oil to the skillet, then add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until fragrant and the garlic just begins to turn golden (do not burn).
- 05
Add cooked pasta to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well, adding pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until the pasta is silky and coats evenly (you may not need all of it).
- 06
Stir in charred broccoli and the zest of 1 lemon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl or plates.
- 07
Top generously with crispy breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
The 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes here provides a warm, manageable heat. To intensify, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a pinch more red pepper flakes to the oil. For mild spice, use just 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or omit entirely and add fresh cracked black pepper instead.
For deeper char on broccoli, don't stir it too early. The red pepper flakes infuse the oil with gentle heat; if you prefer milder spice, use 1/2 teaspoon. Leftovers keep refrigerated for 2 days but are best eaten fresh.