ANGEL HAIR WITH GOAT CHEESE, BROCCOLI, AND TOASTED PINE NUTS

Angel Hair with Goat Cheese, Broccoli, and Toasted Pine Nuts image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups broccoli florets (3/4 pound)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or fresh basil) plus 4 to 6 sprigs, for garnish
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
12 ounces fresh or store-bought angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts*

Steps:

Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.
In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil. Over medium-high heat, saute the broccoli florets, stirring as necessary, 2 to 3 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and reserve until needed.
Deglaze the pan with the stock, and add the thyme leaves. Bring to a boil and reduce by half. Add the butter and the goat cheese and stir together until the cheese melts. Keep warm.
Meanwhile, add a little salt to the pot of boiling water and cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 1 minute for fresh pasta. (Cook packaged pasta according to the directions on the package). Drain the pasta well and add to the reserved broccoli in the saute pan. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
To serve, divide the pasta among 4 heated plates. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and garnish with a sprig of thyme.