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A vibrant plate of easy weeknight broccoli pasta garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs, served in a white bowl on a rustic wooden table.

Easy Weeknight Broccoli Pasta

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Discover the delicious and healthy Easy Weeknight Broccoli Pasta, a quick pasta bake filled with tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this nutritious dish combines flavor and simplicity for a family-friendly dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, ziti, or fusilli work well)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy touch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer gently.
  4. Add cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh cheeses for better flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • For gluten-free, substitute with chickpea or lentil pasta.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Stove-top
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg