Hot Butter Spaghetti

One of my all-time favourites from a few years ago, now with an added twist—chickpeas for a boost of protein! This Hot Butter Spaghetti creates a very zesty situation for dinner and can be on the table in minutes. It’s so tasty, and if you haven’t grilled broccoli spears before, you’re in for a treat. Grilling spears brings out way more flavour than florets. Simple, but honestly, quite addictive. Give it a try!

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Serves: 1

Ingredients:

  • 90g broccoli spears

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Pinch of salt

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1.5 medium chillies, thinly sliced and deseeded

  • Handful of basil, finely chopped stalks

  • 25g butter

  • 3 garlic cloves, diced

  • 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes or 1 tsp chilli oil (@saucyninaparker)

  • Zest of 1/3 lemon

  • 60 ml starchy pasta water

  • 20g Grana Padano, grated

For the Pasta:

  • 70g spaghetti

  • 80g chickpeas

  • 60g peas

  • Black pepper and salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Grill the Broccoli: Preheat the oven to 220°C on the grill fan setting. Add the broccoli spears to a baking tray with a spoonful of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Grill for 5-6 minutes, giving them a mix halfway through. Remove from the oven when done.

  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the packet’s instructions. Towards the end of cooking, reserve about 60-70ml of starchy pasta water and set it aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce: Set a large frying pan over medium to high heat. Add the olive oil and heat up. Then add the chopped chillies and fry for 2 minutes. Next, add the finely chopped basil stalks, followed by the butter and diced garlic. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the chilli flakes. Simmer for another minute and remove from the heat.

  4. Combine Everything: Drain the pasta and add it to the frying pan with the sauce. Add the grilled broccoli, peas, basil leaves, grated Grana Padano, and chickpeas. Pour over half of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and a good crack of black pepper.

  5. Serve: Serve the hot butter spaghetti immediately, garnished with extra basil and a little more grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your zesty, delicious dinner!

This dish is quick, full of flavour, and perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but easy to make. Don’t skip the grilled broccoli spears—they’re what take this dish to the next level!

Nina Parker