Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well); 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley

Description

This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender pasta cooked together with fresh broccoli, it is smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato cream sauce enhanced with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This simple stovetop recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying vegetarian meal that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

Seasonings & Herbs

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy & Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
Add Cream and Heat Through: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine evenly with the sauce.
Add Parmesan and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy tomato pasta with broccoli.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, substitute Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
Add cooked chicken or chickpeas to increase the protein content of the dish.
Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as alternatives to regular pasta.