Cavatelli Con Broccoli
Cavatelli con broccoli is a flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, and herbs in a savory chicken stock sauce, perfect for a hearty, veggie-filled meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. celentano cavatelli ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch fresh broccoli florets and upper portions of stems, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 4 to 6 ounces chicken stock
- 4 to 6 large cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 shallots or 6 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- fresh basil, chopped
- fresh Italian parsley, chopped ⓘ
- oregano to taste ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Steam or boil broccoli until tender but not soft.
- Heat olive oil and lightly sauté garlic and shallots or scallions until golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes and continue to sauté.
- Add chicken stock and spices, then bring to a boil.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Cook cavatelli according to package instructions and drain.
- Add cooked broccoli to the chicken stock mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked cavatelli.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh. If you're in a pinch, any short pasta can substitute for cavatelli. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and shallots. Pairing this dish with toasted garlic bread can elevate the dining experience, making it a delightful option for any Italian recipes lover.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cavatelli Con Broccoli with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Chicken And Tomatoes for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave on medium power or reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatelli Con Broccoli contains roughly 469 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken stock with a vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish's texture and flavor.
What other herbs can I use in this recipe?
While fresh basil and Italian parsley are recommended, you can experiment with thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs will provide a vibrant taste, while dried herbs can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the broccoli in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with freshly cooked cavatelli just before serving. This method helps maintain the pasta's 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).