Pasta Con Broccoli
Pasta Con Broccoli features tender pasta combined with sautéed broccoli and mushrooms, coated in a rich, creamy sauce with Parmesan. This comforting dish offers a delightful blend of savory and earthy flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the fettucine until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté thawed and drained broccoli and sliced mushrooms in 3 teaspoons of butter until tender.
- Add the cooked fettucine to the skillet with the broccoli and mushrooms.
- Stir in the half and half, Parmesan cheese, remaining butter, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, canned or frozen mushrooms can work in a pinch, just ensure they're well-drained. Adding garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. To enhance the dish, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein, or make it a hearty vegetarian dish by including extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Con Broccoli with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta well. This dish pairs beautifully with Vodka Tortellini, making it a delightful offering for family gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the pasta to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Con Broccoli contains roughly 1002 calories, with 41g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), protein (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 690mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or fettuccine works best, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta varieties, which will still deliver great flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it features pasta, broccoli, and mushrooms. To enhance the dish further, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Also, ensure that the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet for a fully vegetarian version.
What if I want to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the sauce. Store the components separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and heat through. This method helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients and gives you the flexibility to enjoy it at your convenience.
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).