Broccoli Blue Cheese Fettucine
Creamy broccoli and blue cheese fettucine combines tender vegetables with rich cheeses for a flavorful vegetarian pasta, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal. Suitable for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until just tender, then chop.
- Melt butter in a large skillet; add garlic, green onions, and broccoli.
- Saute for 3 minutes.
- Stir in cream, salt, and pepper and cook to a gentle boil until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss sauce with hot pasta in a serving bowl.
- Add Blue cheese and toss to distribute evenly.
- Add Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Serve immediately with extra grated cheese and pepper on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. If you don't have fresh fettucine, you can substitute with any other pasta, though cooking times may vary. To make this dish lighter, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables, similar to Broccoli Italiano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Broccoli Blue Cheese Fettucine with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a festive touch, consider offering extra grated cheese and freshly cracked pepper at the table for guests to add as they wish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Blue Cheese Fettucine contains roughly 428 calories, with 16g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1328mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; however, be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet. This will help maintain the desired texture of the dish.
What type of Blue cheese should I use?
You can use any variety of Blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, depending on your flavor preference. Each type will impart a slightly different taste to the dish, so choose one that you enjoy.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the reheated sauce for a quick meal. This will save you time on busy nights.
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).