Broccoli With Rigatoni Pasta
Broccoli with rigatoni pasta offers a hearty, flavorful combination of tender broccoli, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, all tossed with al dente pasta and topped with grated cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently brown garlic in olive oil and butter, being careful not to burn it.
- Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir as you heat.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer until broccoli is just al dente.
- Cook rigatoni pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Mix in half of the chopped fresh basil with the broccoli.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the broccoli and basil mixture.
- Top with grated Romano and Locatelli cheese, chopped parsley, pepper, and remaining basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan works well too. For a twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Ensure the garlic is just golden to prevent bitterness, which can ruin the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Italian Green Beans for a colorful plate. Serve with crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta. For a heartier meal, consider a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 chicken broth or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Rigatoni Pasta contains roughly 289 calories, with 9g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Rigatoni is excellent for capturing the sauce and adding a hearty bite, but you can substitute with penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type used, ensuring it's cooked al dente for the best texture.
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).