Part 5/10:
Preparation: Chopping broccoli into smaller florets accelerates cooking and absorption of flavors.
Cooking Strategy: Boil the broccoli separately in salted water, then incorporate it into the pasta. Alternatively, using frozen broccoli florets can save time.
Flavor Base: A garlic-infused olive oil provides depth, with optional red pepper flakes for heat.
Integration: The dish benefits from blending cooked broccoli into the pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Jim shares that tender broccoli allows for smashing into a pesto-like consistency, further enriching the dish. While his timed attempt slightly exceeds 20 minutes, he notes that with a dual-pot approach—even more time-efficient—this dish can be prepared in the desired 15 minutes.