Pasta Con Broccoli(Favorite From Pasta House)
A creamy, cheesy pasta with broccoli and mushrooms, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner that combines rich flavors and wholesome vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and steam broccoli.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan. Add half and half, tomato sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and simmer until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Stir in steamed broccoli and fresh mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are heated through, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you're short on time, pre-steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli works well. Fresh spinach can be a lovely substitute for broccoli, adding a different flavor profile. For a bit of spice, you might add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish is also excellent if you incorporate vegetables from other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Con Broccoli with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, such as a Creamy Italian-Style Salad Dressing with mixed greens, for a complete meal. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Vegetable Lasagne for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Con Broccoli(Favorite From Pasta House) contains roughly 949 calories, with 10g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2707mg 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 use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute medium shell macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace margarine with a plant-based butter and use a non-dairy half and half alternative. For the cheese, try vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you're out of tomato sauce, you can blend canned tomatoes or use marinara sauce as an alternative. This will add a different taste but will work well with the other ingredients in the dish.
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).