Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Toss Recipe
Discover this easy and delicious Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Toss recipe from LoveWithRecipes.com, a perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 3 cups |
| Fresh broccoli | 1 head |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil | 4 pieces |
| Fresh garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 563.4 kcal |
| Fat | 20.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 59.3 mg |
| Sodium | 694.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 73.9 g |
| Fiber | 12.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 24.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add in the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8 minutes for an al dente texture.
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Prep the Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, take your fresh broccoli and cut off the thicker stems. Peel these thick stems and slice them into thin rounds. Separate the broccoli florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Slice the Tomatoes & Mince Garlic: Carefully slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips for easy mixing with the pasta. Mince the garlic finely, which will blend into the pasta sauce for a balanced flavor.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Place the shredded cheddar cheese in a large serving bowl. Add in the sun-dried tomato strips and minced garlic, stirring them all together. This mixture will form a creamy, cheesy sauce when combined with the hot pasta and reserved pasta water.
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Add Broccoli to Pasta Water: After the pasta has cooked for about 8 minutes, add the broccoli stems and florets into the pot. Allow them to cook with the pasta until they turn bright green and just tender, approximately 2 more minutes.
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Reserve Pasta Water & Drain: Before draining, ladle out about 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water and set it aside. This water will be used to create the sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then transfer them back to the saucepan.
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Combine & Melt the Cheese: Set the saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and add in the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the cheese has melted and coats the pasta evenly, creating a creamy, rich texture.
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Season & Serve: Taste the dish, adding salt and black pepper as desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the savory, cheesy goodness alongside the tender broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes.
Additional Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Storage: This pasta is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore the creamy sauce texture.
