Broccoli Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast yet delicious meal.

• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from broccoli and protein from Parmesan cheese.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different pasta types or additional ingredients to suit your taste.

• Family-Friendly: A creamy and flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

• 12 ounces (340 grams) short pasta (such as conchiglie, orecchiette, rigatoni, penne, rotini, or fusilli)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or non-dairy alternative)

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli, keeping the water boiling for the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli and 1 cup of the reserved cooking water to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, then mash the broccoli with a fork or blend briefly with an immersion blender to create a creamy sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta: In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes for al dente texture.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve an additional cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the broccoli sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional shaved Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.

• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese option.

• Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Short, hollow pasta shapes like conchiglie, orecchiette, rigatoni, penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the creamy broccoli sauce well.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets work well and can be cooked directly from frozen.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use a non-dairy cheese alternative in place of Parmesan to make the recipe vegan.

Is it necessary to blend the broccoli sauce?

Blending creates a smoother, creamier sauce, but mashing with a fork for a chunkier texture is also an option.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the broccoli sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

What other vegetables can I add?

Peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions to this pasta dish.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente and avoid overcooking when combining with the sauce.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing.

What can I use instead of basil for garnish?

Fresh parsley or chives are good alternatives for garnish.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or add a small amount of grated cheese to achieve desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Its quick preparation and versatility allow for easy customization to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!

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Broccoli Pasta

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 Servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky broccoli sauce with a hint of spice and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 20-minute meal is easy to customize with your favorite pasta, proteins, or extra veggies.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 12 ounces (340g) short pasta (conchiglie, orecchiette, rigatoni, penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or non-dairy alternative)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Broccoli:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes, until tender.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli, keeping the water boiling for the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the cooked broccoli and 1 cup of the reserved cooking water to the skillet.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, then mash the broccoli with a fork or blend briefly with an immersion blender for a smooth sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes for al dente texture.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Reserve 1 additional cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the skillet with the broccoli sauce.
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese substitute.
• Herb Enhancements: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano.
• Extra Veggies: Add peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for more nutrients.
• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling & Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian