Pasta con broccoli is a rich, obsession inducing side dish made with broccoli, pasta, garlic, mushrooms, and a creamy pink Alfredo sauce that is absolutely out of this world.
⅓cupmarinara sauceor tomato sauce. Use more or less to taste.
½cupmushroomsthinly sliced
1cupParmesangrated
Instructions
Cook pasta about 4 minutes (It won't be all the way cooked). Drain.
Add the pasta back to the pot.
Add in the cream, butter, tomato sauce, broccoli, and garlic.
Stir well and bring to a boil.
When the pasta and broccoli are fully cooked, and sauce has begun to thicken, stir in the mushrooms.
Let simmer for a couple of minutes so the mushrooms begin to get tender.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir.
Pass more Parmesan at the table.
Notes
Storage:Leftovers can be put in an airtight container and refrigerated for 4 or 5 days.I don't recommend freezing this recipe.To heat:Add to a pan with a little cream and heat slowly, stirring often.Tips:
If you prefer a lighter, less heavy sauce you can use half and half in stead of heavy cream in the same measure. Be aware that the sauce will be very thin if you do that.
Shells, spirals, elbows, or any other pasta shapes can be substituted for the orecchiette.
I like marinara mixed in with the cream but you can use plain tomato sauce.
Be sure to cut the broccoli in small florets so it will cook properly.
This is basically an Alfredo sauce. In a pinch you can simmer the ingredients in a canned Alfredo sauce mixed with the marinara instead of the cream. This isn't as delicious but it's always good to know that you can do it.