Broccoli-N-Pasta
A creamy, nutritious pasta dish featuring broccoli, garlic, and cottage cheese, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that's appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam the frozen chopped broccoli according to the package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion, fresh parsley, and minced garlic until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the steamed broccoli and cook for another minute.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and add cooked noodles, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
- Stir until well combined and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more cottage cheese or a splash of milk. If you're out of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just steam it until tender. Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish to round out the protein.
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 broth to the pasta to prevent it from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-N-Pasta contains roughly 276 calories, with 10g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam it until tender before adding it to the skillet. This may take a bit longer than using frozen, but fresh broccoli will add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily incorporate protein! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas would work well. Just mix in the protein along with the noodles for a heartier meal.
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).