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Orecchiette pasta with broccoli, olives and anchovies

Deborah Swain
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g frozen broccoli
  • 400 g fresh or dried oriecchette
  • 5 anchovies
  • 1 handful of brown pitted olives I use Taggiasca
  • 2 unpeeled and bruised cloves of garlic
  • Generous amount of olive oil
  • Salt for pasta water. Use sparingly - the olives and anchovies will add lots of flavour to the sauce.
  • Fresh red chilli pepper - amount depends on personal preference and heat of chilli!
  • Handful fresh parsley optional

Instructions
 

  • Start heating a large saucepan of water (for the pasta and broccoli).
  • Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a wide pan, add the anchovies and heat until they start to break apart.
  • Add the bruised garlic, chilli pepper and olives and toss in the oil until they sizzle. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  • When water in saucepan comes to the boil add a small amount of salt (less than usual for pasta as the sauce is salty).
  • Add the frozen broccoli.
  • Put lid on saucepan and wait for the water to return to the boil.
  • Once water starts bubbling again, add the orecchiette.
  • Cook for approx. 7 minutes. Cooking times will vary according to the pasta you use - check your packet!
  • Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, retaining a little of the cooking water.
  • Add the pasta and the broccoli to the pan with anchovies and olives, mix well and heat the contents for several minutes, adding a little of the cooking water if necessary.
  • Turn off the heat and add a handful of fresh parsley.