Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli

If you’re in the mood for something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit decadent, you have to try this Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli. It’s the perfect combination of rich, creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli—all blended together into a dish that’s satisfying without being too heavy. The creamy sauce hugs every piece of pasta, and the broccoli adds a fresh crunch that balances it out perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to a cozy solo dinner, this dish is bound to hit the spot. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli

Here’s why this pasta is going to become a regular on your dinner table:

• Perfectly Creamy Sauce: The creamy tomato sauce is so velvety and rich, and yet it’s not overwhelming. It’s the kind of sauce you want to savor in every bite.
• Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking process, this recipe is great for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and comforting.
• Healthy Twist: The broccoli adds a healthy touch to the dish, bringing in extra vitamins and fiber without compromising on flavor. You get the creamy comfort of pasta, with a veggie boost!
• Customizable: Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add some grilled chicken, or swap in another veggie, this dish is versatile enough to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish sing:

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape, but I recommend something like penne or rigatoni that can hold onto the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the broccoli and add a little extra richness.
• Salt: To season the water for cooking the pasta and to bring out all the flavors.

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• Tomato Sauce: A rich and smooth base for the sauce. Make sure to get a good-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky smooth texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little grated Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish to the sauce.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that adds classic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Black Pepper: For seasoning and a hint of spice.

For the Broccoli:

• Fresh Broccoli: Steamed or sautéed, broccoli is the perfect veggie to add to this creamy pasta for some crunch and freshness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making this creamy, comforting pasta? Here’s how you’ll bring it all together:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

• While the pasta is cooking, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it’s crisp-tender and slightly caramelized. You can also steam the broccoli if you prefer a softer texture.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

• In the same skillet (after removing the broccoli), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer again. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the creamy tomato pasta in bowls and top with a little extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook the pasta and sauce]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli

This creamy pasta is so satisfying, it could easily be a meal on its own. However, here are some great ways to serve it to make your meal even better:

• Garlic Bread: Pair it with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta and add some crunch.
• Grilled Chicken: If you’re craving a bit more protein, add some grilled chicken on top or on the side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for a veggie-packed side.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this creamy tomato pasta:

• Pasta Shape Matters: Choose a pasta shape that will hold onto the creamy sauce, like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli. It’ll make each bite even better.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you want the sauce to be even richer, add a little more heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, you can cut back on the cream and use some low-fat milk instead.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers for an extra kick.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving will add a pop of color and freshness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat the pasta and sauce, combine them, and add the broccoli.

Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
A2: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly when reheated, but it will still taste delicious.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A3: Yes, frozen broccoli works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.

Q4: Can I use a different vegetable?
A4: Absolutely! You can swap the broccoli for spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms for a different flavor and texture.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A5: Yes, you can use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to make it vegan. Swap the butter for olive oil and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Q6: How do I make this dish spicier?
A6: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce while the sauce is simmering.

Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: If you want a thicker sauce, you can cook it a little longer, or add a spoonful of tomato paste to intensify the flavor and thicken it.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and vibrant veggie goodness. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and will quickly become a dinner favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this pasta will be sure to please everyone at the table. So go ahead—whip up this comforting, creamy dish tonight, and enjoy the rich, velvety goodness!

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