Broccoli-Encrusted Pasta with Crunchy Prosciutto and Toasted Panko
Pasta with Broccoli, Prosciutto, and Crunchy Breadcrumbs - A Weeknight Hero
ready to impress even the pickiest eater? This pasta dish is a quick, flavorful delight, with fresh broccoli, salty prosciutto, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Keep some panko on hand for those unexpected hunger cravings.
Ingredients Shopping Checklist:- Panko (coarse Japanese-style breadcrumbs)- Broccoli crowns- Dried short pasta (penne or rotini)- Olive oil- Thinly sliced prosciutto- Garlic cloves- Shallots- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Yield: 4 servingsDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:1. Broccoli crowns (bite-size pieces)2. Dried short pasta (penne or rotini)3. Olive oil4. Prosciutto (thinly sliced, small dice)5. Garlic cloves6. Shallots7. Panko8. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions:1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Remove from water and plunge into an ice bath. Return the cooking water to a boil.2. After removing the broccoli from the ice bath, drain it in a colander. Once the cooking water returns to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining pasta.3. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until crispy and golden (about 5 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.4. Return the pan to the stove and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and shallots, cooking until golden (around 2-3 minutes). Stir in the panko and cook until golden (about 2 minutes), then remove from heat.5. Place the cooked pasta back into the pot and add the reserved pasta water, broccoli, and crispy prosciutto. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Mix until evenly combined and the broccoli is heated through.6. Transfer the pasta to a serving platter and sprinkle the cooked panko mixture on top. Serve with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side.
Beverage Pairing Suggestion: Try a crisp, refreshing white wine like the Lis Neris Pinot Grigio from Italy. This wine's steely, lean edge and breadiness from aging on its lees offer a nice balance with the pasta and its savory broccoli flavors.
Advanced Pairing: For a chardonnay lover, consider the Santa Margherita Chardonnay from the Veneto region. Its richness and ripe fruit notes complement the pasta's flavor profile, without overpowering it.
Enrichment Insight: Pair your pasta dish with a wine that has high acidity and balanced fruit notes to cut through the dish's richness and accentuate the freshness of the broccoli. Consider exploring Santa Margherita Chardonnay or other flavorful white wines to find the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Cheers!
- For an added layer of flavor, consider fermenting your panko breadcrumbs for a unique twist on the crunchy topping. This can be achieved by tossing the panko with a bit of olive oil, salt, and water, then letting it sit at room temperature for about 12 hours before baking.
- If you're wondering about the nutritional values of this dish, it's crucial to note that using panko breadcrumbs offers a lower fat content compared to traditional breadcrumbs, while still providing a satisfying crunch.
- In case you can't find broccoli crowns, feel free to substitute with other uncategorized green vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
- When shopping for ingredients, remember that 850815693441d3d5e5979f158240acb0 is the UPC code for Panko (coarse Japanese-style breadcrumbs), making your shopping experience more convenient.
