Pasta Con Broccoli(A La "Rich And Charlie'S")
Creamy pasta with broccoli and mushrooms, rich Parmesan flavor, and a strong garlic presence, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook shells in boiling salted water until al dente and drain.
- Cook broccoli according to package instructions and drain.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
- Combine cooked shells, broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, half and half, tomato sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large pot.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt, pepper, and liquid garlic to taste, adjusting the garlic quantity as preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you don't have shells, any pasta shape will work, but avoid overly large varieties. Fresh broccoli can be substituted for frozen, just be sure to blanch it briefly before adding it to the dish. For extra flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Con Broccoli pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or alongside Italian recipes like Tracy'S Manicotti. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving enhances the dish's flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Con Broccoli(A La "Rich And Charlie'S") contains roughly 459 calories, with 15g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1945mg per serving (85% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and vegetables, then combine them with the sauce and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream if it appears dry.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with sautéed bell peppers or zucchini. Both options will add flavor and texture to the dish while keeping it vegetarian.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based cream instead of half and half, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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).