Pasta With Roasted Broccoli, Almonds and Anchovies

Step 1

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a large sheet pan, toss the broccoli with the olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss again. Spread the mixture in an even layer and roast until crisp and lightly browned, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s just short of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently so they don’t burn, 4 to 5 minutes. Set the almonds aside and wipe out the skillet.

Step 4

In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the anchovies, garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the anchovies have melted into the sauce and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water along with the lemon juice and simmer until it emulsifies, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the pasta and toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed. Stir in the roasted broccoli and gently toss and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with the toasted almonds and serve with cheese, if you’d like.