What Makes This Dish Unforgettable?
This dish brings together creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and crisp broccoli for the ultimate feel-good meal. It’s comforting, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Tools You’ll Need:
Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or saucepan
Strainer
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain together and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook 1–2 more minutes until creamy and well combined.
Serve:
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Great with garlic bread or a side salad.
What to Serve with This Dish:
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Sparkling water or iced tea
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta:
Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly
Add pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much
Use cream or cashew cream for richness
Don’t overcook the broccoli – keep it slightly crisp
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat – On the stove with a splash of water or cream
Freeze – Not recommended due to cream separating
How Do I Make This Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free pasta and confirm all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and wholesome. It’s fast, family-friendly, and packed with comforting flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Nutritional Information:
Vegetarian-friendly – No meat needed
High in fiber – Thanks to broccoli and pasta
Rich and filling – With a light creamy tomato sauce
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli
Description
This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect mix of cozy and nutritious — featuring tender pasta and vibrant broccoli tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce. It's quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting meatless meals the whole family will enjoy.
Ingrédients
8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly for richer flavor.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and blend.
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Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta.
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Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
