Fresh Broccoli Pasta
A vibrant and healthy pasta dish featuring fresh broccoli, ripe tomatoes, and garlic in a flavorful chicken broth sauce, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and oil in a large pan.
- Brown the garlic in the butter and oil.
- Add chopped tomatoes and chicken broth to the pan.
- Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta separately until al dente.
- Add broccoli to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated. If you want a creamier sauce, you can incorporate a splash of cream or use a variation from Fettuccine Alfredo With Variations. Adjust the cooking time of the broccoli based on your desired tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A light green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. For a protein boost, consider serving with grilled chicken or a side of Chicken Neopolitan for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or olive oil to restore moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Broccoli Pasta contains roughly 636 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure it heats through without becoming mushy. However, fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While you can use any pasta you like, long shapes such as linguini or fettuccine can hold the sauce nicely. For a heartier option, consider using ziti or penne, which also catch the bits of broccoli and tomato.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
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).