Pasta With Broccoli
A quick and hearty pasta dish featuring tender cavatelli and vibrant broccoli florets, coated in fragrant olive oil and seasoned with herbs and garlic salt. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that appeals to both vegetarian and pasta lovers seeking bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 5 quarts of water to a boil.
- Cook the frozen cavatelli until al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic salt, oregano, basil, and parsley; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the frozen broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the broccoli and herb mixture.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or substituting fresh herbs if available. If cavatelli isn't on hand, any short pasta will work well. For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream or toss in some ricotta, which is a delightful pairing with Italian recipes like Pasta Primavera.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate the flavors. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a side of Egg Plant Parmigiana for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta and heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Broccoli contains roughly 633 calories, with 24g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (339% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 95g 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used! Just steam or blanch it briefly before adding to the skillet to ensure it cooks evenly with the pasta.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the cavatelli with gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful with the herbs and olive oil.
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).