Pasta Con Broccoli
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Pasta Con Broccoli is a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender penne pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, coming together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like garlic, heavy cream, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat. The balance of buttery richness and the fresh, earthy notes from the broccoli make this dish irresistibly satisfying. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of black pepper for an elegant yet family-friendly meal that's sure to become a favorite. Perfect for anyone searching for creamy pasta recipes, vegetarian comfort food, or an easy pasta dinner idea!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups water
Instructions
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, bring another 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Remove and drain. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until aromatic but not browned.
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Add the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Simmer for another 2-3 minutes while stirring, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are fully heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3136 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 177.4 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.2 g | 491% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 475 mg | 158% | |
| Sodium | 4719 mg | 205% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 277.6 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 109.3 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1898 mg | 146% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1122 mg | 24% | |
*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.
