Penne With Broccoli
A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, and Romano cheese, perfect for weeknights and satisfying for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saute pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the steamed broccoli and saute for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth; raise the heat to high and cook until a lot of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
- Bring water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the broccoli sauce.
- Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Add Romano cheese and toss again.
- Save some cheese for serving if desired, then serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider sautéing red pepper flakes with the garlic for a hint of heat. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan makes a great substitute. To save time, use pre-chopped broccoli or frozen steamed broccoli. This dish also works well with other vegetables, such as asparagus or spinach, for a twist. For a protein boost, you could add grilled chicken or shrimp, similar to dishes like Seafood Fettuccine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Penne with Broccoli with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this dish. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Easy Chicken Italiano or a bowl of Turkey Minestrone for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish's creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Broccoli contains roughly 1218 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% 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 other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Penne with Broccoli vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor rich while ensuring the dish remains meat-free. You can also enhance it with additional vegetables or legumes for extra nutrition.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broccoli sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve. This way, the dish will taste best, and you'll avoid overcooked pasta. Simply warm the sauce before adding the freshly cooked pasta.
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).