Broccoli And Macs
A vibrant and hearty pasta dish featuring fresh broccoli, toasted pignoli nuts, dried tomatoes, and garlic, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal packed with flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni pasta to desired texture.
- Cut broccoli into florets and slice garlic; steam until tender.
- Add steamed broccoli to cooked pasta.
- Stir in pignoli nuts and dried tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when mixing in the olive oil. If you can't find pignoli nuts, walnuts or sunflower seeds make great substitutes. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially if using salted nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a simple arugula salad dressed with Sunny Italy Dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Shredded Beef For Sandwiches or grilled chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. You can microwave it or heat it gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Macs contains roughly 439 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes. Ensure all other ingredients, such as dried tomatoes and nuts, are certified gluten-free as well.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for each vegetable to ensure they are tender yet still vibrant in color.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).