Creamy Broccoli Pasta | Pastabilities


A scrumptious, creamy, easy-to-make weeknight dish, Creamy Broccoli Pasta will turn into a staple in your weekly menu recreation plan!

Creamy Broccoli Pasta in a large pot with bags around it

If you happen to instructed me {that a} pasta dish with broccoli would turn into a favourite, I might by no means imagine you. I do love inexperienced veggies, however broccoli was about close to the underside of my listing…however not anymore!

Creamy Broccoli Pasta is likely one of the best and most versatile dishes I’ve ever made.  The feel is fantastic and appears extra like pesto, and the flavour will idiot any of the “anti-broccoli” people on the market, children included!

Small bowl of creamy broccoli pasta surrounded by ingredients

I liked this concept for a March recipe too…the attractive inexperienced shade is ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any Springtime event.  I wished to indicate off our new Pot of Gold Pasta which mixes cute shamrocks, clovers, and greenback indicators.  Actually, you WILL have discovered a Pot of Gold while you make this recipe!

Creamy Broccoli Pasta begins with the steaming or boiling of broccoli florets.  That’s easy sufficient for even a newbie cook dinner.  I made a decision to save lots of a few of the small florets so as to add to the person bowls as kind of a wholesome garnish.  Additionally, these little bunches of recent broccoli make the dish look wholesome…OK, I’ve to say it now…this can be a “splurge” dish, not a wholesome go-to!

Close up of bowl of creamy broccoli pasta

You’ll be able to assure a scrumptious taste when recent Parmesan Reggiano and heavy cream are included within the recipe lineup. However when you’ll be able to put all of the substances in a meals processor and simply whirl it round a number of instances and create a beautiful sauce…now that’s heaven! And a simple weeknight possibility.

I extremely advocate grating your individual block of Parmesan cheese!  Hand grating could seem to be loads of additional work, however it’s well worth the time. The flavour and freshness can’t be recreated.

The useful pre-packaged grated cheese in baggage is tremendous handy however does comprise anti-caking and moisture-absorbing substances, and the flavors simply aren’t nearly as good.

For this recipe, the place cheese is the primary ingredient, the freshly grated cheese actually makes a distinction.  Word: No matter your selection, by no means use powdered cheese within the inexperienced canister! 🙂

Close up of two bowls of creamy broccoli pasta with fresh broccoli florets surrounding bowls.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Why all of the fuss about broccoli?  Do you know broccoli is taken into account a Superfood?  Listed below are simply a few broccoli well being highlights:

  • Broccoli is loaded with fiber and antioxidants. Plus extra goodness!
  • Broccoli is an efficient supply of calcium and promotes bone well being, and tooth well being.
  • Broccoli could also be good for eye well being. In my 50’s I want this…
  • Broccoli could help the immune system and will assist regulate blood strain.

Wow…and the listing goes on. For extra details about the well being advantages of broccoli, take a look at this Healthline article.

Close up of pasta bowl with cheese grater and fresh Parmesan around

In case you are serving this as a important course, Creamy Broccoli Pasta plus a colourful facet salad will make a deliciously easy dinner.  Add some grilled rooster, pork, or steak, and make this your starchy facet dish, together with some further greens or a salad.

Actually, the flavors of this sauce will mix simply with about any menu. I’ve served this pasta as a important dish, and as a facet dish. I even took some leftovers to the workplace for lunch, serving it chilly with some leftover grilled rooster….it was delish!

Small natural bowl of pasta showing dollar sign pasta shape with fresh broccolini in background

Creamy Broccoli Sauce for Pasta

What are another ideas or concepts to raise this scrumptious creamy broccoli sauce?

  • Frozen broccoli florets can be substituted, and even the broccoli discovered within the useful steam baggage.  Prepare dinner as directed after which add to meals processor.
  • Use a combo of cheeses! Cheeses with robust taste are wanted to attain the deliciousness and power of the sauce. You should utilize ½ Parmesan and ½ Pecorino Romano.  Once more, the laborious fruity and nutty cheeses from Italy are good. Attempt your individual combo!
  • Steam cauliflower florets and broccoli collectively and use this mixture of veggies for a twist on style. It’s one other solution to conceal extra veggies in a scrumptious pasta dish!
  • Substitute ½ heavy cream and ½ half and half to loosen up the dish general.  You may discover that your sauce could also be just a little thinner in consistency. And make sure to regulate your seasonings if wanted. I’ll even attempt some even lighter alternate options for the longer term…keep tuned.
  • Add diced grilled rooster or shrimp so as to add some protein and bulk to the dish. Nice for a important dish.
  • High with chopped grape or cherry tomatoes for some shade and added vitamins!
Very tight shot of finished pasta showing off shapes and fresh Parmesan and broccoli

So listed below are the details about this recipe. If we are able to combine broccoli into our pasta dishes and be completely satisfied about it, then the experimenting ought to go on, don’t you suppose?  I like discovering a brand new dish that turns into one in my repertoire of menu concepts.  Please make this recipe and let me know the way it goes! 

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Components


Scale

14 oz. bag of Pot of Gold Pasta (or some other brief form)

5 cups broccoli florets

3 T. butter

2 cloves, garlic, minced

¼ cup recent basil leaves, torn or 2 t. dried basil

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I grated Parmesan Reggiano for the perfect taste, however different grated Parmesan cheeses will work)

¾ cup heavy cream

1 t. salt

½ t. pepper

Contemporary parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

Steam broccoli: In a medium pot add about 1 inch water and broccoli.  Deliver to a boil, cowl the pot, and steam till the broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain broccoli. Save about ½ cup of small broccoli florets and add the remainder to a meals processor.

Add the butter, garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, cream, salt, and pepper to meals processor and pulse till combination appears to be like like a pesto-like texture. Style and regulate salt and pepper if wanted.

Prepare dinner pasta based on bundle instructions.  Drain and add to a big bowl.

Pour creamy broccoli over sizzling pasta and gently mix.

Serve in particular person bowls and high with additional broccoli florets, recent Parmesan, and parsley!

Notes

For greatest taste, grate your individual Parmesan Reggiano and skip the pre-packaged cheese!



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