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! 🌿🍝