5 Delicious Broccoli Pasta Recipes You'll Love
Broccoli, with its vibrant green color and versatile flavor, is not just a superfood packed with nutrients but also a star ingredient in pasta dishes. Whether you're a broccoli enthusiast or looking to incorporate more greens into your diet, these broccoli pasta recipes offer a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. From creamy to cheesy, here are five delicious broccoli pasta recipes you'll absolutely adore.
1. Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Start your journey with a dish that wraps the rich, comforting sauce around each noodle. Hereβs how to make it:
- Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1β2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preparation:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last 4 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli florets to cook them simultaneously.
- In a separate pan, sautΓ© minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add cream, simmer, then mix in Parmesan, stirring until you get a smooth sauce.
- Drain pasta and broccoli, combine with sauce, season, and serve hot.
π©βπ³ Note: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a dash of nutmeg to the cream sauce.
2. Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells
Get creative with jumbo pasta shells filled with a cheesy broccoli mixture:
- Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 1β2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1β2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Marinara sauce
- Basil and parsley for garnish
- Preparation:
- Cook pasta shells until theyβre al dente, then drain.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped broccoli, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the cheese and broccoli mixture.
- Pour marinara into a baking dish, place shells on top, and bake at 375Β°F (190Β°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Top with fresh herbs before serving.
π©βπ³ Note: You can prepare this dish ahead and simply bake it when ready to eat.
3. Broccoli and Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the robust taste of pesto with the tender crunch of broccoli:
- Ingredients:
- 350g pasta (spaghetti or linguine work best)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1β4 cup pine nuts
- 1β2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon zest for garnish
- Preparation:
- Cook pasta as directed, adding broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan in a food processor, slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
- Mix pasta and broccoli with pesto, drizzle with more olive oil if needed, and garnish with lemon zest.
π©βπ³ Note: If you prefer, you can toast the pine nuts for a nuttier flavor in the pesto.
4. Spicy Garlic Broccoli Pasta
For those who enjoy a kick, this spicy version is a delightful treat:
- Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (try angel hair for a different texture)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 1β4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
- Preparation:
- Cook pasta, adding broccoli towards the end. Drain.
- In a pan, heat oil, add garlic, and cook until it turns golden.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, then add pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat evenly.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top, mix, and serve.
π©βπ³ Note: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
5. Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese
A comforting classic with an added green twist:
- Ingredients:
- 300g macaroni or shell pasta
- 1 1β2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1β2 tsp garlic powder
- 1β2 tsp mustard powder
- Preparation:
- Cook pasta, adding broccoli in the last 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly add milk.
- Stir in spices and cheese until you have a smooth sauce.
- Combine sauce with pasta and broccoli, mixing well.
π©βπ³ Note: Using different types of cheese can change the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
These recipes demonstrate the versatility of broccoli in pasta dishes, offering health benefits, texture, and flavor. Whether you're looking for something creamy, cheesy, or with a spicy kick, there's a broccoli pasta recipe for every palate. They're easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and they encourage a healthier meal without sacrificing taste. Let your creativity flourish, tweak ingredients to your liking, and enjoy these delightful pasta dishes infused with the goodness of broccoli. Remember, good food is about enjoying and experimenting, so don't be afraid to make these recipes your own.
Can I substitute another vegetable for broccoli in these recipes?
+
Absolutely! Vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or even zucchini can work wonderfully in these pasta dishes.
How can I make these recipes gluten-free?
+
Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Ensure other ingredients like sauces are gluten-free or make your own to control ingredients.
Are these recipes suitable for freezing?
+
Most are, except the Spicy Garlic Broccoli Pasta which has a delicate garlic flavor that might not freeze well. Others can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat gently.