Cavatelli And Broccoli
A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender cavatelli, fragrant garlic, and fresh broccoli, all simmered in a flavorful broth and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut crowns of broccoli off the head.
- Chop cloves of garlic into small pieces.
- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and garlic.
- When garlic starts to brown, remove from heat.
- Allow garlic to cool slightly, then add chicken broth and reheat.
- Cook cavatelli to desired tenderness.
- Steam broccoli to desired tenderness.
- Add cooked cavatelli and steamed broccoli to the frying pan with broth.
- Add fresh cracked pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you don't have cavatelli, any pasta shape will work, but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. For a heartier dish, you could incorporate cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken, such as Chicken Breasts With Fontina, Mushrooms And Prosciutto.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cavatelli and Broccoli with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Herb Chicken for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cavatelli and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatelli And Broccoli contains roughly 251 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure it's heated through but not overcooked.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute that will still provide a rich flavor. For a lighter option, you can use water with added herbs or seasonings to mimic the taste of broth.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Cavatelli and Broccoli vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
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).