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A classic Italian-American comfort dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed with ziti pasta in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Create the Garlic Oil Sauce
Combine and Finish the Dish
A classic Italian-American comfort dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed with ziti pasta in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This italian_american recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 672.43 calories per serving with 24.89g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Serve
Incorporate grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Add the cooked protein in step 3.
Toss in a handful of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers along with the pasta in step 3 for added flavor and nutrients.
For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the very end, after turning off the heat.
Top the finished dish with toasted breadcrumbs (panko) or toasted pine nuts for a delightful textural contrast.
Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
The broccoli in this dish contributes significant dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting digestive health, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and aiding in satiety.
Each serving contains approximately 580-620 calories, primarily from the pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The exact count can vary based on specific ingredients used.
This dish can be part of a healthy diet. It offers carbohydrates for energy, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil. To enhance its health benefits, consider using whole wheat ziti and being mindful of the portion sizes of cheese and oil.
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, orecchiette, or fusilli are excellent substitutes as their shapes and ridges are great for catching the simple garlic and oil sauce.
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. You don't need to thaw it first. Add the frozen florets directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
The key is to use medium to medium-low heat and to stir the garlic constantly. As soon as it becomes fragrant and turns a very light golden color, it's ready. Remove the pan from the heat if needed to prevent it from overcooking.
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