Description
The perfect quick comfort meal. This Broccoli Pasta Dinner comes together in 20 minutes with a savory garlic-cheese sauce. Using a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, it’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—an ideal easy dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta)1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil4 cloves garlic, minced1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth1 cup reserved starchy pasta water3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheeseSalt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions.2. Two minutes before the pasta is al dente, add the broccoli florets to the pot.3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.4. Pour in the broth and let it simmer for 1 minute.5. Just before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.6. Use a spider or slotted spoon to transfer the pasta and broccoli directly into the skillet with the sauce.7. Add the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet.8. Stir and toss vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the sauce is too thick.9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
The starchy pasta water is the most important ingredient. It helps the cheese and broth emulsify into a creamy sauce without any heavy cream.Using a blend of Parmesan (for flavor) and mozzarella (for creamy, cheesy pull) gives the best comfort-food texture.Transferring the pasta directly to the skillet (instead of draining) helps bring along extra clinging pasta water, which aids the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course,Dinner
- Method: Boiling,Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American,American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
