Creamy Broccoli Pasta

This creamy pasta combines the delicate sweetness of broccoli with a silky Parmesan cream sauce to create a quick yet impressive dish. The crushed broccoli florets create a naturally thick sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.

In my kitchen, this dish is the savior on busy days. The combination of vegetables and creamy sauce delights even broccoli skeptics.

Carefully Selected Ingredients

• Broccoli: Fresh, crisp florets
• Parmesan: Freshly grated for optimal melting
• Herb cream cheese: Provides additional flavor
• Pine nuts: For nutty roasted flavors
• Cream: Creates velvety consistency

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Detailed Preparation

Broccoli Preparation:

Carefully separate florets. Peel stems and dice. Blanch until crisp tender. Partially crush.

Pasta Preparation:

Heavily salt water. Cook al dente. Reserve cooking water. Time optimally.

Sauce Production:

Gently warm cream. Stir in cream cheese. Incorporate broccoli. Adjust consistency.

Finalization:

Toast pine nuts. Work in Parmesan. Harmonize seasonings. Serve immediately.

In my family, this dish is especially popular with the children. The creamy sauce makes the vegetables the highlight.

Perfect Accompaniments

Serve the broccoli pasta with extra freshly grated Parmesan. A crisp arugula salad offers a nice contrast. Roasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. A glass of dry white wine completes the taste experience.

Creative Variations

The basic version can be wonderfully adapted. Roasted chicken makes the dish more protein rich. Smoked salmon adds an elegant touch. A vegan version with nutritional yeast is equally convincing. For extra flavor, sun dried tomatoes are suitable.

Optimal Storage

The dish tastes best when served fresh. Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to two days. When reheating, add some cream or pasta water. The sauce becomes thicker when standing but can be easily thinned.

Time Saving Preparation

Broccoli can be cleaned in advance. Toast pine nuts beforehand. This organization makes preparation even faster. Timing is crucial for the perfect consistency.

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Healthy Adaptations

The sauce can be made lighter with reduced fat cream. Whole grain pasta increases the fiber content. Additional vegetables make the dish even more nutritious. These variations make the dish lower in calories.

After many years of experience with pasta dishes, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between health and enjoyment. The combination of creamy sauce and tender broccoli makes this dish a quick favorite. I find it particularly fascinating how a simple vegetable like broccoli can contribute to such a flavorful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the broccoli in advance?

Yes, but for the creamiest sauce, keep the cooking water. Don't overcook the broccoli.

→ Which pasta works best?

All pasta types are suitable. Short pasta like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce particularly well.

→ Do I have to use pine nuts?

No, they can be omitted or replaced with toasted sunflower seeds.

→ Can I puree the sauce?

Yes, for an especially creamy consistency, use an immersion blender instead of mashing the broccoli.

→ How do I make the sauce less calorie-rich?

Replace cream with milk or light cooking cream. The sauce will then be somewhat less creamy.