If you’re craving a cozy, vibrant, and utterly comforting pasta dish, this Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a perfect balance of luscious creaminess and bright tomato tang, all beautifully complemented by tender broccoli florets that add just the right touch of freshness and crunch. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a homey and satisfying meal that feels special without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this pasta will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful, each bringing key flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine. From the garlicky warmth of olive oil to the cheesy richness of Parmesan, every component works in harmony to deliver comfort in a bowl.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli): Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well and adds great texture.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green pop and a satisfying crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A flavorful base that gently sautés the garlic and brings depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory punch that forms the backbone of the sauce seasonings.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat that can be added for extra warmth and complexity.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato base that gives the sauce its bright color and tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Imparts a hint of earthy, aromatic flavor that ties the dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle bite to contrast the creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky smooth texture that makes this pasta irresistibly luscious.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory richness and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A splash of green freshness to brighten each serving and add an herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for perfect al dente texture. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets so they soften just enough without losing their vibrant green color and crisp bite. Then drain everything and set aside, letting the warmth linger while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic burn as it can turn bitter. What you want is the aroma of garlic filling your kitchen—that’s the perfect base for your sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce along with dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, intensifying the tomato’s natural sweetness and herbaceous notes while softening the acidity.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. This step transforms the tomato sauce into a velvety, rich coating for your pasta that you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce
Now it’s time to reunite your cooked pasta and broccoli with the dreamy sauce. Toss everything gently in the skillet, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy tomato mixture. Allow it to heat through for about 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld together even more.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. These green herbs add a fresh, fragrant contrast against the creamy, tomato-rich base and make every bowl look absolutely inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. The sweetness of a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, while garlic bread offers a perfect crunch to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy tomato pasta with broccoli in individual mini cast-iron skillets or mason jars for a rustic, charming touch. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top just before serving also adds wonderful final details.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare because this dish disappears fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so your next meal might taste even better!
Freezing
While this creamy tomato pasta with broccoli recipe can be frozen, be aware that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separate from any fresh garnishes or delicate vegetables and consume within 1 month.
Reheating
Warm up leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from splitting. A splash of milk or cream while reheating can refresh the sauce’s silky texture and keep everything tasting like it just came out of the kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fusilli are great choices because their shapes hold the sauce well, but you can use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just cook pasta al dente for the best texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this creamy tomato pasta with broccoli recipe?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions to boost protein and turn this into a heartier meal.
How do I make the sauce less spicy if I use red pepper flakes?
Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The dish is flavorful and creamy enough without heat, so it’s easy to adjust to your preference.
What’s the best way to keep broccoli bright and crisp?
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water near the end of cooking time, just 2 to 3 minutes before draining. This quick blanch retains their vivid color and a satisfying bite.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and simple ingredients make it a go-to comfort meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you, and it’s likely to become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli is an easy, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta and bright broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a smooth, velvety sauce and fresh herb garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 5 to 6 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the tomato sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta and broccoli in sauce: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- Add cooked chicken or chickpeas to increase protein content.
- For a vegan alternative, use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes.
