Charring broccoli brings extra delicious flavour that pairs wonderfully with smoky chorizo, a little chilli heat and plenty of garlic. Combined with penne pasta and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, pine nuts and Parmesan, this simple pasta recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect midweek dinner idea.
1. Heat a large, lidded nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chorizo and dry-fry for 2-3 mins until it begins to release its fat, then cook for a further 1 min until turning crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper; set aside. Wipe the pan clean.
2. Return the pan to the heat, add 1 tbsp oil and the broccoli; increase the heat to high. Stir-fry for 4-5 mins until lightly charred all over but still quite firm, then reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic, crushed chillies and 4 tbsp water; cover and cook gently for 3-4 mins until tender. Stir in the chorizo and remove from the heat.
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta to pack instructions. Drain well, reserving about 6 tbsp of the cooking water.
4. Heat the remaining ½ tbsp oil in a separate nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and pine nuts and cook, stirring, for 5 mins until beginning to turn golden. Stir in the lemon zest and Parmesan, and season with black pepper.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the broccoli, along with the lemon juice and reserved cooking water. Toss everything together for 2 mins over a low heat until a light sauce forms, then divide between 4 bowls and serve sprinkled with the pine nut and lemon crumbs.
Tip: Make this dish a little cheaper by swapping the pine nuts for sunflower seeds, or leave them out entirely.