Pasta with Broccoli in Sweet Tomato Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Pasta with Broccoli in Sweet Tomato Sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines al dente pasta and tender broccoli florets with a rich, sweet tomato sauce elevated by a hint of garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Balanced with a splash of pasta water for the perfect sauce consistency, this dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful burst of freshness. Ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for both picky eaters and veggie lovers, this versatile meal is a comforting way to enjoy wholesome ingredients. Whether you're searching for a quick vegetarian dinner or a satisfying pasta recipe, this dish checks all the boxes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 250 g broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
- 5 fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking time. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1090 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.5 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 3710 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.2 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 50.0 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 848 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1731 mg | 37% | |
*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.
