Creamy broccoli pasta
Creamy broccoli pasta is a great dinner option that offers a variety of delicious flavours and textures. This dish features a delectable sauce made from broccoli, basil, salad cheese, and whipping cream. Topped with crunchy roasted hazelnuts and a hint of lemon, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a delightful meal. Cook up our creamy broccoli pasta for a quick dinner or as an elegant dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients
Broccoli cream
|
Broccoli
|
400 g |
|---|---|
|
Water from the cooking liquid
|
100 ml |
|
Basil leaves
|
100 ml |
|
Salads cheese
|
100 g |
|
Arla® LactoFREE Whipping and cooking cream
|
100 ml |
|
Cloves of garlic
|
2 |
|
Olive oil
|
1 tbsp |
|
Lemon juice
|
1 tbsp |
|
Coarse salt
|
1½ tsp |
|
Freshly ground pepper
|
Pasta
|
Water
|
3 l |
|---|---|
|
Coarse salt
|
4 tsp |
|
Dried pasta, for example, rigatoni
|
400 g |
Topping
|
Lemon zest (unsprayed)
|
1 tsp |
|---|---|
|
Salads cheese
|
30 g |
|
Roasted hazelnut kernels, roughly chopped
|
30 g |
Instructions
FAQ: Questions about creamy broccoli pasta
Explore the questions below for advice on how to best prepare creamy broccoli pasta.
Can I prepare the broccoli sauce in advance?
What if my broccoli sauce is too thick?
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli in the recipe?
Other recipes
Tips: Perfect your creamy broccoli pasta
Find out how to elevate your creamy broccoli pasta with these smart tips.
Use fresh ingredients
For the best flavour, use fresh broccoli and fresh basil. Fresh vegetables and herbs have a more pronounced flavour and will make the sauce extra delicious.
Turn broccoli stems into tasty additions
Chop broccoli stems finely and sauté them along with the florets to add extra flavour and texture to your creamy broccoli pasta. The stems provide a slightly crunchy contrast that beautifully complements the smooth sauce.
Storing and reheating
Let the creamy broccoli pasta cool before putting it in a container with a tight lid. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to reheat, warm the pasta over low heat on the stove and add a little water or oil to keep the sauce creamy. You can also microwave it for a few minutes on a medium setting, stirring in some liquid first. It is best to eat the pasta within a few days, but you can freeze it if needed. Just know that the texture might change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Make an easy creamy broccoli pasta
Simple ingredients come together to create our deliciously creamy broccoli pasta. The dish consists of three main components: tender pasta, a creamy blended broccoli sauce, and tangy, crunchy toppings. Fresh vegetables and herbs are combined with cream to create a sauce that richly coats the pasta. The vibrant toppings add colour to this already stunning green pasta dish. Try our broccoli pasta recipe if you are looking for a green take on great comfort food.
Also, check out our recipe for delicious chicken and broccoli pasta. This version takes a few of the elements from our creamy broccoli pasta and adds tender chicken to the mix. Or go with our quick lemon pasta, butternut squash gnocchi with thyme, or chicken cannelloni with mushrooms.
Creamy sauce made from broccoli, basil, and cheese
Put your food processor to good use by blending cooked broccoli, fresh basil, salad cheese, and whipping cream for the ultimate broccoli sauce. The result is a smooth cream that will coat the pasta in a combination of rich and fresh flavours. The broccoli brings an earthiness that works well with the fresh basil and the subtle acidity from the lemon juice. Salad cheese introduces a tangy and creamy element, and the whipping cream binds everything together into a velvety, irresistible sauce.
Topped with tangy salad cheese and crunchy hazelnut kernels
To balance the tender pasta and smooth sauce, our creamy broccoli pasta gets a creamy and crunchy topping. Crumbles of tangy salad cheese provide an extra layer of creaminess, while the hazelnuts bring a welcome crunch. Not only do they add a nice contrast in texture, but they also give the dish a rich nuttiness. This combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy and savoury makes for a wonderfully exciting dish. A final sprinkle of lemon zest provides a subtle but refreshing citrus note.
The perfect everyday meal for the whole family
Creamy broccoli pasta is an easy and tasty everyday meal for the whole family. Whether you are celebrating family time with a wholesome lunch or need a quick and satisfying dinner on a busy weekday, this recipe fits the bill. It is easy to prepare, taking only about half an hour from start to finish. This gorgeously green comfort food is ideal for entertaining guests or for making in large batches to ensure you have creamy, tasty leftovers for lunch the next day. Enjoy this versatile and crowd-pleasing meal anytime.
Get creative with the recipe
This recipe opens up many opportunities if you want to use any leftover vegetables lying around. Kale or cabbage are both great options that will enhance the earthy flavour while maintaining the beautiful green colour. Sautéing a variety of mushrooms and incorporating them into the pasta adds a delightful chewiness and rich flavour. For a smoky, slightly sweet dimension, consider roasting vegetables like red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or aubergine. These are easy to prepare as they can simply roast in the oven and require minimal attention.
