Pasta con Broccoli e Patate: A Comforting Classic from Southern Italy
When it comes to Italian comfort food, Pasta con Broccoli e Patate is a dish that stands out for its simplicity and heartiness. This humble recipe hails from Southern Italy, where resourceful cooks turn basic, pantry-friendly ingredients into something truly special. Combining tender broccoli, creamy potatoes, and pasta, it’s a meal that warms both the stomach and the soul.
A Southern Italian Tradition
In the cucina povera (peasant cuisine) tradition, every ingredient has a purpose, and nothing goes to waste. Pasta con Broccoli e Patate exemplifies this philosophy, as it transforms inexpensive vegetables and pasta into a flavorful, satisfying dish. While it’s especially popular in Campania and Calabria, variations can be found throughout Italy, each with its own local twist.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, a simple weeknight meal, or as a vegetarian-friendly comfort food option.
The Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful
One of the beauties of this dish is how easy it is to prepare. You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
300g (10 oz) pasta (short shapes like orecchiette, fusilli, or ditalini work best)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
300g (10 oz) broccoli florets
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Pasta con Broccoli e Patate
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Pasta Together:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and broccoli and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the pasta to the same pot and cook everything together until the pasta is al dente.
3. Make the Garlic Oil:
While the pasta and vegetables cook, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili pepper (if using) and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine and Toss:
Drain the pasta, potatoes, and broccoli, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. Add them to the pan with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, mashing some of the potatoes and broccoli with a fork to create a creamy texture. Add a splash of the reserved cooking water if the dish seems too dry.
5. Season and Serve:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta con Broccoli e Patate
Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like orecchiette or ditalini are ideal because they hold onto the creamy potato and broccoli sauce.
Use the Cooking Water: The starchy water from cooking the pasta and vegetables is key to achieving a creamy consistency.
Add a Twist: For extra flavor, try adding anchovies to the garlic oil or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
Pairing Suggestions
Pasta con Broccoli e Patate is a rustic dish that pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides and beverages:
Wine: A crisp white wine like Falanghina or Vermentino complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dish: Serve with a fresh salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon and olive oil.
Products for Your Recipe
Recreate this authentic Italian recipe with premium ingredients from Bottega Italiana:
Bronze-Cut Pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For that rich, authentic flavor.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: Adds the perfect salty finish.
A Dish That Feels Like Home
Pasta con Broccoli e Patate is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of the beauty in simplicity. This dish brings together the best of Southern Italian cooking: wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of love in every bite.
Buon appetito! 🌿🍝