Pat'S Pasta Con Broccoli
Creamy pasta with tender broccoli, mushrooms, and Parmesan offers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute butter, sliced mushrooms, and diced garlic in a large skillet.
- Steam broccoli until tender, then add to the mushroom mixture.
- Simmer the mixture while the shells are cooking.
- Cook the shell-roni shells according to package instructions, then drain.
- Add cooked shells, whipping cream, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Simmer until the cream thickens and coats the pasta and vegetables.
- Reheat with a little half and half cream if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using Italian Butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have whipping cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce may not be as thick. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they're golden for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature fresh herbs. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Pasta Con Broccoli contains roughly 745 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so you may want to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While shell-roni is recommended, any short pasta like penne or rotini would work well. Just ensure the pasta can hold onto the creamy sauce. You could even use Manicotti(Stuffed Shells) for a fun twist.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the whipping cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).