Penne With Broccoli(Makes 8 Cups)
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender penne, fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package directions.
- Three minutes before the pasta is done, add broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture and return it to the saucepot.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and heat olive or vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped yellow, red, or green pepper and cook briefly.
- Add cherry tomato halves and cook until slightly softened.
- Mix the cooked pasta and broccoli with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or swapping in asparagus for the broccoli. If you don't have penne, any tube pasta like rigatoni works well. For a creamier texture, a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta could be stirred in before serving. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. It also serves well as a side dish alongside Italian recipes like Mary Lee'S Eggplant Parmigiana, making it a versatile choice for any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Broccoli(Makes 8 Cups) contains roughly 679 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% 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, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it to the boiling pasta for the last 3 minutes as you would with fresh. Make sure to thaw and drain excess water to avoid a soggy dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this penne with broccoli more filling, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. You can also toss in some cooked beans for extra fiber and heartiness, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
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).