Broccoli Macaroni Italiano
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Broccoli Macaroni Italiano, a harmonious blend of creamy Italian flavors and wholesome ingredients. This quick and easy pasta dish combines tender macaroni and vibrant, blanched broccoli florets in a velvety sauce made with rich heavy cream, melted Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Infused with the bold flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for spice, this recipe delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. Perfectly customizable and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an irresistible comfort food that’s ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a visually stunning, restaurant-quality meal your whole family will love! Keywords: Broccoli Macaroni Italiano, creamy pasta, broccoli and cheese, easy Italian pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the drained macaroni and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve the Broccoli Macaroni Italiano immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, or extra red pepper flakes, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
765 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.2 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1079 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.3 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 29.5 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 493 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 175 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
