Fresh Broccoli And Pasta Combo
A vibrant and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh broccoli, lemon, and sour cream, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 pound broccoli florets, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups spiral macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter with the chicken bouillon until tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour.
- Gradually blend in water and lemon juice, cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in sour cream, then add the cooked broccoli and drained spiral macaroni.
- Heat until steaming and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using olive oil instead of butter, or try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. You can also swap the spiral macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. To save time, use pre-chopped broccoli or frozen broccoli florets. This dish can be adapted to include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light side salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It also goes well with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Garlic Chicken Salad or using it as a side dish with your favorite American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Broccoli And Pasta Combo contains roughly 1171 calories, with 10g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
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 is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as you heat the mixture.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in a little more water or broth until you reach your preferred consistency. It's best to add the liquid gradually while stirring to ensure smoothness without diluting the flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time. Store each component separately in the fridge, and when ready to serve, combine and heat the dish on the stovetop. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy nights.
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).