Broc & Roll! Simple Broccoli and Bow-Tie Dish

While I was living in a small city (with no car) I sometimes found it hard to make it to the grocery store during the week – especially after work!  Anytime I was feeling hungry and too tired to leave my apartment, this was my go to meal! Everything I need for this easy (and delicious!) meal I tend to keep in my kitchen most of the time.  And anything I’m missing I can easily grab at the small corner store around the block. I like this dish because I can make as much or as little as I want – I usually make enough for 1 or 2 people – and everyone always loves it!

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Bow Tie Pasta
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic (I use garlic from a jar – its easy and I like the flavor!)
• Salt & Pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Tomato Sauce

I don’t use any measurements for this one – I just add ingredients based on how I’m feeling!

To begin I steam the broccoli in the microwave – I like my broccoli more tender, but you should cook to your liking.  Note – the broccoli will be in a pan later on and will cook a few minutes longer!

In the meantime I boil a pot of water to cook the pasta.

In a frying pan, I start with olive oil, chicken broth and garlic.  I pour a decent amount of olive oil into the pan – just covering the bottom. Then I add some chicken broth for some extra liquid (this can easily be omitted if you don’t like the taste or prefer less liquid!)

Then I add a scoop of garlic – I use minced garlic from a jar – I find it easier and I like the flavor!  Depending on how you feel about garlic, you can add more or less – I usually use about half a spoon full.

Over low heat let garlic simmer in olive oil/chicken broth – this cooks quickly, so watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn! After garlic cooks a minute I always add salt and pepper and usually turn heat a little lower.

If I have them I like to add a few red pepper flakes and a scoop of tomato sauce or tomato paste to give the dish a little spice and a little color, but definitely not necessary!

The broccoli should be done by now!  Drain and add to frying pan. I like to mix it around and let it cook in the oil for a few minutes to let the taste soak in.  I like the brocoli a little on the softer side, so i usually put a top on for a few minutes.

To serve scoop some pasta into a bowl and cover with broccoli and oil – depending on how much liquid you like!

*For a healthier option I like to chop the broccoli up into small pieces and replace the pasta with rice!  For this I usually use more chicken broth then olive oil.

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