This Incredible Pasta Has a Secret Ingredient (Shh...It's Parmesan Croutons!)

"A hearty but simple pasta dish is a must-have for every home cook. That kind of meal is fast, inexpensive, and wonderfully satisfying. This season, my go-to recipe is for shells cooked with broccoli and tossed with Parmesan croutons (they add just the right amount of crunch to each bite of pasta). While broccoli is typically available all year long, it's at its peak in the fall. That means that this meal is exactly the one you should be making right now! Try it out for dinner tonight."

- Everyday Food's Sarah Carey


Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Croutons

Related: Quick, One-Pot Meal Ideas To Feed the Whole Family

1/2 baguette, cubed (3 cups) 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce), plus more for serving Salt and pepper 3/4 pound medium pasta shells 1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets, stalks peeled and thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Related: 24 Easy, Fun Halloween Treats You've Never Thought Of

1. 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.

2.
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.

3.
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 pasta. To serve, sprinkle with croutons, lemon zest, and additional Parmesan if desired.


More from Everyday Food:
15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook
35 Beyond Delicious No-Bake Dessert Recipes
36 Dinners You Can Make in Just 15 Minutes!
No-Mess One-Bowl Desserts: 12 Recipes for Lazy Bakers