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
Scale
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.
