Are you tired of battling with your children over eating vegetables? Get ready to witness a culinary miracle with our "My Kid Loves Broccoli Pasta" recipe! This incredibly simple and delicious Italian-inspired dish transforms the often-dreaded broccoli into a mouthwatering meal that will have your kids asking for seconds. With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you'll create a nutritious and irresistible pasta that proves vegetables can be both healthy and incredibly tasty.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- While the water is heating, wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Cut any large florets into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will allow the broccoli to cook until tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, prepare a large mixing bowl. Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the drained pasta and broccoli to the mixing bowl. This will help retain some heat for the next steps.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Toss everything together once more to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Serve the broccoli pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this delightful Italian dish that your kid will love!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Always use fresh, crisp broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Adding broccoli in the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking ensures it remains bright green and retains its nutrients and slight crunch.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky, creamy sauce without adding extra cream.
- Use Good Quality Parmesan: Fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize for Picky Eaters: For children who are extra sensitive, you can finely chop the broccoli to make it less noticeable.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared quickly and reheats well, making it perfect for busy families.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
