Servings: 5

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
• 6 cups Broccoli florets
• 2 cups Onions, sliced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper
• 14 oz Chicken broth
• 1 lb Thin spaghetti or vermicelli
• 3/4 cup Walnuts, roasted, chopped *
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add broccoli florets, sliced onions, minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the thin spaghetti or vermicelli according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
5. Toss the hot cooked pasta with the broccoli mixture and chopped roasted walnuts.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

TO ROAST WALNUTS:

• Conventional Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts in a shallow baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden.
• Microwave Method: Spread the walnuts on a microwave-safe glass plate. Microwave on high power (100%) for 5-8 minutes, stirring after each minute, until they become golden and toasted.

Note: Adjust the cooking time for roasting walnuts based on the power of your microwave or oven and the desired level of roasting.

Here are some variations you can try for this recipe:

1. Creamy Garlic Sauce: Instead of using chicken broth, replace it with a creamy garlic sauce. To make the sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the sauce thickens and toss it with the cooked pasta and vegetables.
2. Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken broth and replace the chicken with your favorite vegetarian protein such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor and color.
3. Spicy Broccoli Pasta: Increase the crushed red pepper to add more heat to the dish. You can also add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes for an extra kick.
4. Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry: Instead of spaghetti or vermicelli, use egg noodles or rice noodles. Replace the chicken broth with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Add some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas for an Asian-inspired stir-fry twist.
5. Mediterranean Delight: Swap the walnuts for pine nuts and add some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Mediterranean flair.
6. Pesto Pasta with Broccoli: Replace the chicken broth with a dollop of store-bought or homemade pesto sauce. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the pesto and top it off with some toasted pine nuts.
7. Lemon Garlic Pasta: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet with the vegetables, garlic, and oil. Add some lemon zest for extra brightness. Toss the cooked pasta with this lemony mixture and finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake: After tossing the cooked pasta and vegetables with the walnut mixture, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with additional shredded cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.