Buttery Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the noodles are cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or microwave steamer for this step.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: In the same pot used for cooking noodles, melt the stick of butter over low heat.
- Combine Noodles and Broccoli: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot with the melted butter. Add the steamed broccoli florets to the pot as well.
- Season and Toss: Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the noodles and broccoli. Toss everything together until well combined and the noodles are evenly coated with butter and seasoning.
- Serve: Transfer the buttery broccoli pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese according to taste preferences.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, easy, filling, and fast buttery broccoli pasta!
This recipe captures the essence of your favorite meal while adding a few extra touches to enhance the flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and cheese according to your taste preferences. Enjoy! 🍝
Here are some tips to make your Buttery Broccoli Pasta even more delicious:
- Choose the Right Pasta: While spaghetti works great, you can also try other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier option.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli just until it’s tender but still retains a slight crunch. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant color and flavor.
- Use Quality Butter: Since butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, using high-quality unsalted butter can really enhance the flavor. Look for butter with a rich, creamy texture for the best results.
- Add Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works well, you can also use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor. Simply mince a couple of cloves of garlic and sauté them in the butter before adding the noodles and broccoli.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! In addition to garlic powder and black pepper, you can add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Incorporate Protein: To make this dish more hearty and nutritious, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and broccoli at the end.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness and color, garnish your pasta with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives before serving.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your Buttery Broccoli Pasta with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
