Spaghetti With Broccoli
A vibrant and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, topped with toasted pine nuts—perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel broccoli stems and cut into 3/4-inch slices.
- Break broccoli flowerets into small pieces.
- Set aside.
- In a 10-inch fry pan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add 1/4 cup minced parsley and minced garlic to the pan.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes without browning.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Lower heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes, partially covered.
- In a small skillet, brown pine nuts in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until golden.
- Remove pine nuts and set aside.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti and combine with the sauce.
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade Sutton Gourmet Marinara Sauce instead of canned tomatoes. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try substituting walnuts for pine nuts. When cooking spaghetti, remember to reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency as needed. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; use basil or thyme for a fragrant touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with broccoli hot, garnished with the toasted pine nuts for crunch. A side of Italian Salad(Good) complements the dish perfectly, adding freshness. For a complete meal, pair it with Pepper And Herb Mini Focaccia for a delightful bread option. This dish is also a great addition to any Italian recipes night.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti with broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to maintain moisture. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Broccoli contains roughly 863 calories, with 33g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (457% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (196% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1798mg per serving (78% 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 can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help maintain the sauce's consistency and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this spaghetti with broccoli vegan, ensure that any pasta used is egg-free. The recipe is already plant-based, but you can enhance the flavor by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta. For a refreshing contrast, consider a green salad. Additionally, an Italian mushroom grill makes a great side dish to enhance your meal.
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).