Peanut Sauce Pasta with Broccolini started as a quick, throw-together dinner idea, but quickly became a favorite. The creamy peanut sauce, tender pasta, and fresh broccolini come together in a way that feels comforting and just a little bit different from your usual pasta night.
Cook the Pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2 Cups Pasta
Sauté the Broccolini. Prepare the broccolini by washing, trimming off any woody tough stem. Slice them in half lengthwise. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2 Cups Fresh Broccolini, 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Add the broccolini and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly browned.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the peanut butter directly to the pan with the broccolini. Stir gently as it warms and melts into the oil, creating a creamy sauce.
3 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
Add sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
1/2 Tablespoon Sugar
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If you’d like a creamier, more saucy consistency, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the broccolini is still vibrant.
Cut broccolini into smaller pieces for easier eating and better distribution
For the best texture, cook the broccolini until just tender-crisp. This keeps a slight bite and prevents it from becoming too soft once mixed with the pasta.
Reserve a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
Use natural peanut butter for a more savory, less sweet sauce
Don’t overcook the broccolini—a little crispness adds great texture