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Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta That Kids Will Love

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a family-friendly dish that combines creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and pasta, making it a perfect quick dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dried Pasta such as pipe rigate or shells
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups Broccoli fresh florets, chopped
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter or margarine for dairy-free
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice plus zest
For the Cheese
  • ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
For the Crunch
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts or toasted walnuts/almonds

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Cheese Pasta
  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the dried pasta and cook according to package directions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Chop fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. After the pasta has been boiling for about 5-7 minutes, add the chopped broccoli.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until foamy.
  4. Add pine nuts to the skillet and sauté for about 4 minutes until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer to the skillet and toss everything together for about 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice, along with the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  8. Serve immediately with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is versatile. Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Customize it to match your family's tastes!

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