Creamy Pasta With Broccoli, Cauliflower And Mushrooms
Creamy pasta combined with tender broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms offers a comforting, flavorful vegetarian meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut in florets ⓘ
- 1 small bunch broccoli, cut in florets ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups thickly sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups whole noodles ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook cauliflower and broccoli until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- With a slotted spoon, remove vegetables and save the liquid for cooking the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat oil.
- Saute garlic for 2 minutes over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and cauliflower.
- Saute for 2 to 3 minutes longer; set aside.
- Meanwhile, in the reserved boiling vegetable liquid, cook pasta until tender but firm, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta.
- In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli and cauliflower, add drained pasta, and toss until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas work well. Feel free to swap the vegetables with others like spinach or zucchini, or explore more Italian recipes for variety. If you're short on time, pre-washed and cut broccoli and cauliflower can save prep time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread pairs wonderfully, adding a crunchy texture to the meal. For a more filling option, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or a side of Italian stuffed mushrooms for a complete feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta and microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, use a skillet on low heat, adding a little water or milk to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Pasta With Broccoli, Cauliflower And Mushrooms contains roughly 173 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
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 vegetables instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may require less time in boiling water. However, fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper during the sautéing step. You could also mix in some sautéed jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
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).