Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy tomato pasta with broccoli, a satisfying and flavorful dish that comes together easily for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta and add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Lower heat, add cream, then Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and broccoli in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a plant-based milk and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
