Ziti with Fresh Broccoli Sauce
Transform your weeknight pasta routine with this vibrant and creamy Ziti with Fresh Broccoli Sauce! This easy recipe features tender ziti pasta coated in a luscious, homemade sauce made from nutrient-rich broccoli, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of heavy cream for richness. Highlighted with a zing of fresh lemon zest and a hint of warming red pepper flakes, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy evenings. Serve it up as a satisfying vegetarian main course, and don’t forget a sprinkle of extra parmesan for the finishing touch. Whether you're looking to sneak more vegetables into your meals or try something fresh and flavorful, this ziti recipe deserves a place at your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 quarts water for boiling pasta
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
Add the ziti pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets by placing them in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Transfer the steamed broccoli to a food processor or blender. Add the sautéed garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Pour the broccoli sauce into the large skillet and set it over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
Add the drained ziti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the broccoli sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce appears too thick.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.1 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 873 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 17.0 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 276 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 80 mg | 2% | |
*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.
