Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with this mind-blowing Vegan Garlicky Pasta with Broccoli Rabe that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly delicious and sophisticated. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, infused with golden, fragrant garlic and vibrant, slightly bitter broccoli rabe - a combination that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy without a single animal product in sight!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
- Vegan parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli rabe. Rinse the bunch under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off the tough ends of the stems and chop the remaining broccoli rabe into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli rabe is bright green and tender. If the skillet becomes too dry, you can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli rabe.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and broccoli rabe.
- Gently toss the pasta with the broccoli rabe and garlic, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a light sauce. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the heat level to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. If desired, serve the pasta with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for added flavor.
- Plate the Vegan Garlicky Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is seasoned from within.
- Don't discard your pasta water! The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Watch your garlic like a hawk - golden is delicious, but burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
- For extra flavor, toast your red pepper flakes in the olive oil for 30 seconds before adding garlic to release their essential oils.
- If you can't find broccoli rabe, you can substitute with regular broccoli or broccolini for a similar green, slightly bitter profile.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some white beans or toasted pine nuts before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
