Pasta With Broccoli In Sweet Tomato Sauce
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender broccoli in a sweet, tangy tomato sauce with raisins, nuts, and fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the broccoli in boiling water until just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rinse under cold running water, drain, and set aside.
- In the same or another large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped or canned tomatoes, golden raisins, cayenne pepper, and cook for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti or linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, then add it to the tomato sauce along with the broccoli.
- Stir in chopped pine nuts or almonds and minced parsley.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. If you don't have golden raisins, regular raisins or dried cranberries can work as substitutes. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pine nuts or almonds. Also, if fresh tomatoes are unavailable, the canned option is a great time-saver without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Beef And Peppers for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Broccoli In Sweet Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1131 calories, with 11g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, frozen broccoli can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just add it directly to the boiling water for a minute or two longer than fresh until heated through. This will ensure it retains its bright color and nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any pasta you use is egg-free, which is common with many brands of spaghetti and linguine.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper to taste. Alternatively, you can include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the spice level without altering the overall flavor profile of 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).