Not Boring Pasta
Cafe Drake has always maintained that pasta needn't be boring, even as a last minute go-to meal or when scarfed as a result of fiduciary deprivation. The recipe below is absolutely perfect for both of those target groups, but so delicious on its own merits don't wait to prepare until your checking account hits rock bottom and/or you stumble home empty stomached from a night of hard drinking. And yes, as per the images above, we did bust out the tennis racquet shaped pasta for this one. Cafe Drake knows no shame.
Begin by cutting 1 large bunch of broccoli into florets. Be sure to leave a bit of stem as it's every bit as tasty as the rest of the veggie! Toss the broccoli with 1-2 large red onions, cut into thick rings. Add 2-3 T. olive oil and plenty of salt and black pepper. If you have it around, this is a good time to throw in some fresh or dried thyme leaves. Make sure you have cayenne pepper or dried red chilies in the house and add that to your desired level of spiciness. Turn all the veggies out onto a baking sheet in a single layer. if you don't have a large one use two smaller. Roast the veggies in the oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until becoming slightly charred and tender.
While the vegetables are roasting, cook 1 lb. of dried pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until just tender (al dente). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Please do not rinse the pasta.
Now, toss the pasta with the roasted veggies, the reserved cooking water and about 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. If it's all looking a bit dry add more olive oil. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed. Toss once again. If you have a lemon on hand, add it's grated zest to the dish and toss again.
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