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Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta: 20-Minute Weeknight Wonder

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Substitution: Use margarine for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Substitution: Avocado oil can be used for similar effects.
  • 2 cloves garlic Mince finely for even distribution.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Substitution: Use double cream for a thicker consistency, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Shred for quick melting.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli Use both florets and stems for more texture.
  • 1 medium yellow onion Dice finely for even cooking.
  • 8 ounces ditalini pasta Any short pasta like penne or fusilli can be used.
  • ½ cup pasta water Do not substitute; it contains starch that thickens the sauce.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Incorporate 2 cups of chopped fresh broccoli and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. In a separate pot, cook 8 ounces of ditalini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until the desired thickness is achieved.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic.

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