Caroline Manzo Gets Cooking for The Dish

What’s for dinner at the Manzo casa? “I made it the other night,” Caroline tells us about her cavatelli and broccoli specialty. And get your stomachs growling, Dish readers, because the Italian cook is sharing her recipe exclusively with you. Come and get it!

Here's what the Real Housewives of New Jersey star says you’ll need to step up to her plate: 

1 bunch of broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces or 1 package frozen chopped (10 oz)

1 pound cavatelli (you can buy fresh or frozen, I keep frozen in the freezer at all times)

4-5 tablespoons of olive oil

4-5 large garlic cloves, smashed

2 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Good grade of cheese. I like Locatelli Pecorino Romano (grated)

Now get to the mangia finish line by following Caroline’s directions:

If using fresh broccoli, cook in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain and set aside.

Heat oil in large saucepan, add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.

Add broccoli and sauté for about 3 minutes. If using frozen, sauté for a minute or two longer.

Add chicken broth, salt and pepper.

Simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Cook the cavatelli in boiling salted water, strain and add to broccoli/broth.

Add desired amount of grated cheese; sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you're looking for a little more kick!

Serve with crusty Italian bread and enjoy!

One last tip from Mama Manzo: “As a side note, I sometimes save the rind off a block of provolone and throw it into the broth to simmer for extra flavor; remove before serving.” Eat up! 

Get more recipes from Caroline at CarolineManzo.com, and keep up with this top chef using our Tweet Tracker.