Pasta With Broccoli Or Cauliflower
Creamy pasta with broccoli or cauliflower, mushrooms, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, offering a rich, comforting flavor that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli or cauliflower according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked vegetables.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper; sauté until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in the cooked broccoli or cauliflower and half and half; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the mushrooms. If you're out of half and half, you can substitute with a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. For a heartier dish, try adding cooked chicken or Italian sausage. This recipe also works well with other vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of No Measure Garlic Bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing side, consider a light Pesto Salad. A crisp white wine would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce is too thick. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Broccoli Or Cauliflower contains roughly 2221 calories, with 11g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 238g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (93% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg 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 use frozen broccoli or cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli or cauliflower works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the sauce to prevent excess moisture.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
You can use any pasta you prefer, but penne or rotini works particularly well as they hold the sauce nicely. For a unique twist, try using lasagne noodles cut into strips.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet if you're looking for a strict vegetarian option.
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).