Bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli

Name: Bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Bucatini pasta 11.3 oz; Pecorino Romano PDO cheese 5.3 oz; Black pepper (in grains) to taste; Broccoli 12.3 oz

it de br es fr

450

Calories per serving

Lactose Free
Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 450
Carbohydrates g 65.3
of which sugars g 5.2
Protein g 21
Fats g 11.6
of which saturated fat g 6.6
Fiber g 4.4
Cholesterol mg 34
Sodium mg 722

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Michela Carta

Bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli is, to be honest, an awesome blend of classic Roman pasta and the fresh flavors of the Italian countryside. In Lazio, the traditional cacio e pepe is really, really cherished, with its creamy cheese sauce coating each strand of bucatini—and let me tell you, it’s divine. This version throws in broccoli, adding a tender bite and a bright pop of green, which is great. Super tasty. Really stands out on the plate. In Rome, you know, it's common to mix it up with veggies like cime di rapa, zucchini, or even artichokes, depending on what’s in season. It gives the dish a familiar yet fresh twist. Incorporating broccoli not only lightens it up but also offers a crisp-tender texture that complements the rich, cheesy flavor. Just a generous handful of Pecorino Romano and lots of black pepper, and you're in for a bucatini cacio e pepe that feels both old-school and new.

While some purists stick to the traditional method, adding broccoli can totally be a game changer, especially if you want more color or a dish that stands out from other bucatini pasta recipes. Here's the thing: the secret, as any Roman nonna will tell you, is to gently mix the cheese and pasta water so the sauce stays silky and doesn’t turn grainy. Which is essential. This way, the sauce clings to the noodles, delivering that smooth, peppery kick everyone loves. It is one of those cacio e pepe with broccoli recipes that fits right in with easy Italian pasta dishes when you're craving something quick yet special. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to showcase those seasonal veggies without much fuss. Whether you are a fan of traditional Roman pasta or exploring new vegetarian options, this is a recipe you'll want to keep handy. The savory taste of the cheese with the freshness of broccoli creates a combo that works beautifully every single time. So... Next time you're in the mood for something comforting and flavorful, this dish is sure to hit the spot. No question.

How to prepare Bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli

To prepare bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli, bring water to a boil in a large pot: it will be used for both the bucatini and the broccoli. Remove the broccoli florets 1 and then wash them. Then boil the bucatini 2 and after 3-4 minutes add the broccoli florets 3.

While they are cooking, crush some peppercorns 4, then transfer them to a preheated non-stick pan 5. Toast them for a few moments, occasionally shaking the pan, then deglaze with a little cooking water 6.

Grate the Pecorino cheese 7 and gradually mix it with the cooking water while stirring with a fork to create a creamy mixture 8. Before adding it to the pan, you can warm it with some steam from the pot where you cooked the pasta, to avoid thermal shock. Once the bucatini and broccoli are al dente, transfer them to the pan with the pepper 9 and continue cooking, adding some pasta cooking water if necessary.

Add the Pecorino cream 10, turn off the heat, and mix the seasoning 11. Your bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli are ready to be served 12.

Storage

It is advisable to prepare the bucatini and serve them immediately. No storage is recommended as the sauce tends to thicken once cold.

Tip

You could also try pairing cacio e pepe with turnip greens: with the leftover stems, you can create a tasty pesto to dress the pasta. Just boil them and then blend them in a mixer with grated cheese, oil, and a few basil leaves!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.