Ingredients
– 8 ounces of pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
– 2 cups of broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Making cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta is easy. Follow these steps to create this delightful dish:
1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Blanch Broccoli: In the same pot, add broccoli florets to the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Season: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
9. Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
These steps will guide you in creating an incredible cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta dish that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.