Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Broccoli and Penne recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic combination of tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in our household. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Steam the Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam them in a separate pot or even in the microwave for convenience.
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta, steamed broccoli, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the garlic. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Broccoli and Penne:
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy. Aim for tender-crisp florets.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese: The flavor of the Parmesan cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Variations:
- Lemon Broccoli Penne: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Spicy Broccoli Penne: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
- Creamy Tomato Broccoli Penne: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce along with the heavy cream for a richer, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy broccoli and penne recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated; this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying and best recipes. Enjoy!