broccoli pasta with parmesan croutons... 30 minutes

 

the goods:

 

1/2 baguette (or one whole demi baguette), cubed (3 cups)

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce), plus more for serving

3/4 medium pasta shells (I used whole wheat)

1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss together bread, 1 tablespoon oil, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and toasted, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions; add broccoli and cook 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Add remaining 3 tablespoons oil and garlic to pot and cook until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pasta mixture; toss to combine, adding enough pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. To serve, sprinkle with croutons, lemon zest, and additional Parmesan.