If you like quick and tasty meals, you’ll enjoy making Teriyaki Ground Beef. This dish features ground beef cooked with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over warm rice. It’s an easy dinner that comes together fast and tastes great, perfect for any weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta con Broccoli Recipe
This recipe stands out because it perfectly balances fresh vegetables with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The broccoli adds a bright, slightly crunchy texture, while the mushrooms bring earthiness that complements the garlic and basil beautifully. The cream sauce is silky and rich, enhanced by Parmesan cheese, and the hint of tomato sauce adds just enough acidity to keep the flavors lively without overpowering the dish. You’ll also appreciate how easy this meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or whenever you want a home-cooked pasta that feels special without extra effort.
Ingredients for Pasta con Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this creamy broccoli pasta:
- 6 ounces shell pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Pasta con Broccoli
Start by boiling your shell pasta according to the package instructions. When there are just 2 to 3 minutes left of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. This way, the broccoli cooks just enough to remain tender but still crisp. Drain everything well using a colander.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they turn a light golden brown, which usually takes a few minutes. Once browned, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the minced garlic and dried basil. Cook this mixture for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Burnt garlic can give your dish a bitter taste, so keep a close eye on it.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it cook on low heat until it thickens and reduces slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir slowly and carefully mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add your preferred amount of tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, return the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, stirring everything gently to heat it through and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
How to Serve Pasta con Broccoli
This pasta is best served immediately, straight from the pan while it’s warm and creamy. You can enjoy it on its own as a satisfying main dish. For added freshness, consider topping your bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves. A light green salad on the side pairs perfectly with this rich pasta, helping to balance out the meal.
If you want to add a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs lightly browned in butter can be sprinkled on top. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta con Broccoli
To get the best results, always use fresh broccoli and avoid overcooking it. The broccoli should have a slight bite, providing a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Cooking the broccoli too long will make it mushy and water down your sauce.
When sautéing garlic, keep the heat moderate and cook it just under a minute. Garlic cooks quickly and burns easily, which can ruin the delicate balance of flavors in your dish.
If you’re using milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce to help it thicken. This trick will prevent a runny sauce and keep the texture smooth and luscious.
Don’t forget to taste your sauce before adding salt and pepper, as Parmesan cheese already adds a good amount of saltiness. Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your palate.
Finally, add the tomato sauce slowly and in small amounts so you can control the balance of creaminess and tanginess in the dish.
How to Store Pasta con Broccoli
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick or dry.
Avoid freezing this pasta because the cream sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Variations of Pasta con Broccoli
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Try swapping the shell pasta for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti to change the texture and presentation.
If you want to add more veggies, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add a bit of cornstarch to maintain sauce thickness. You can also try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
To boost the protein content, add cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions make the dish more filling and nutritious.
Finally, experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of basil for a different aromatic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta con Broccoli
What kind of pasta works best for Pasta con Broccoli?
Shell pasta is great because it holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is preferred since frozen broccoli holds more moisture, which can thin the sauce and affect the texture.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking or separating?
Cook the sauce gently on medium-low heat and avoid boiling once you add the cream and cheese. Stir frequently and don’t rush the cooking process.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor will differ slightly but remain tasty.
Is it okay to prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and combine them before serving. However, it’s best eaten fresh to enjoy the creamy texture.
Pasta con Broccoli
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
- 6 ounces shell pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato sauce adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil shell pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain well.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown, then lower heat to medium-low.
- Stir in minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and heat through.
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