This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor. Enjoy a dinner date at home with this creamy Pasta con Broccoli that comes together in less than 30 minutes!
I have a great love for Italian food. How can one not love perfectly cooked noodles robbed in a rich creamy sauce?! It’s an absolute dream, especially this Pasta con Broccoli dish!
First off, this is loaded with cream and butter which means you know it’s gonna be good. Second, mushrooms sauteed in butter… I could hardly resist eating them straight out of the pan! Third, it has a hint of tomato from the 1/4 cup of tomato sauce that gives it an extra depth of flavor. Fourth, this takes less than 30 minutes to prepare but tastes like a million bucks. Fifth,… I think you get the point.
This is a great dish to make for an at-home dinner date but it’s also great for the family. I could barely get in a second bite before my two year old requested more in her bowl. Even my baby enjoyed sucking on the broccoli. Next step is getting her and her sister to actually chew and swallow those little green trees.
This recipe is actually adapted from the one I grew up eating. I added more mushrooms and broccoli to ya know, balance out all the cream that’s in it. BUT, I swapped out half of the cream for half & half to make it slightly less fattening without sacrificing the great taste and creaminess. Oh it is so good! No regrets here!
Hungry for more creamy pasta? Make this Spaghetti con Broccoli and 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese!
Pasta con Broccoli
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cavatelli shells
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2/3 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water for 4 minutes (ladle out a cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside) and then drain.
- Leave pasta in colander and melt 2 tablespoons butter in the the pot. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes over medium heat. Empty into a bowl and set aside.
- Melt 2 more tablespoons and add the garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Whisk in the whipping cream, half and half, and tomato sauce. Add the pasta and then bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 4-5 minutes (add the broccoli for the last 2-3 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- When pasta is al dente, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time to thin sauce to desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve garnished with more Parmesan.
Love this recipe! Also from St. Louis. I think it needs a little more seasoning. What would you suggest.?
From St. Louis can’t find good pasta in South Florida!!
Looking forward to trying this recipe!!!!
I made this tonight, it was so easy and so delicious! Thanks for posting this. I’m also from St. Louis and so thankful to give this a homemade shot! I’m noticing a trend here!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Jen! Thanks for the review! 🙂
I wanna cry! First, I found your recipe for Toasted Ravioli which I ADORE! I’m also from St. Louis but moved to Birmingham Alabama a few years ago. I’ve missed the food from my childhood. My grandmother made Pasta Con Broccoli for me when I was a little girl. I have never been able to find a recipe! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me!
Oh I’m so happy you found these recipes! I love that food from our childhood can bring back so many joyful memories. 🙂
I’m pretty sure broccoli is my favorite vegetable! Love the creaminess of this sauce 🙂
This pasta dish looks amazing! We’re going to have t o put it on our menu for next week!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com