Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this Sage-Scented Ziti with Broccoli, Pine Nuts, and Orange Zestβa dish that brings together hearty comfort and vibrant, fresh flavors. Tender ziti and crisp broccoli florets are tossed in a fragrant blend of sage-infused olive oil and butter, then brightened with zesty orange and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Toasted pine nuts add a satisfying crunch, while grated Parmesan ties everything together with its creamy, nutty flavor. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Add the sliced sage leaves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until crisp and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cooked ziti and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sage-infused oil.
Stir in the toasted pine nuts, orange zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Calories |
2239 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.4 g | 124% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.3 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3949 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 280.0 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.1 g | 108% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 86.5 g | 173% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1163 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 160 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.