Pasta Broccoli Toss
A vibrant pasta dish combining tender rotini, fresh broccoli, sweet peppers, and tomatoes, all tossed in a basil and Romano cheese sauce for a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted water for 6 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Return the drained pasta to the saucepan.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a separate saucepan; add chopped sweet yellow pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic, and cook about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the reserved liquid, salt, pepper, and sugar, and bring to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and broccoli mixture.
- Add chopped tomatoes, shredded basil, and grated Romano cheese.
- Toss everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat. You can substitute the rotini pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried herbs like oregano or thyme, and you may use any cheese you have on hand instead of Romano, such as Parmesan. This dish can also be customized with other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Broccoli Toss is perfect as a standalone dish but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try serving it with a side of Italian Scrambled Eggs for brunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Broccoli Toss contains roughly 2761 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 264g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2722mg per serving (118% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and broccoli in advance, and store them separately from the sauce. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the texture of the vegetables. This way, the dish remains fresh and vibrant when you're ready to enjoy it.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or even peas. Just ensure whatever vegetable you choose cooks well with the pasta, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This Pasta Broccoli Toss is a great option for vegetarian diets, as it contains no meat. You can enhance its nutritional value by adding more vegetables or even some beans for protein, keeping it delicious and satisfying.
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).