Creamy broccoli pasta

Name: Creamy broccoli pasta
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400 g broccoli; 100 ml water from the cooking liquid; 100 ml basil leaves; 100 g salads cheese; 100 ml Arla® LactoFREE Whipping and cooking cream; 2 cloves of garlic; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1½ tsp coarse salt; freshly ground pepper; 3 l water; 4 tsp coarse salt; 400 g dried pasta, for example, rigatoni; 1 tsp lemon zest (unsprayed); 30 g salads cheese; 30 g roasted hazelnut kernels, roughly chopped

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.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/creamy-broccoli-pasta/

Instructions

Boil broccoli for about 10 minutes, then place it in a food processor with 1 tbsp of cooking liquid, basil, salad cheese, whipping cream, garlic, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend to a smooth consistency.
Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Cook the pasta for about 12 minutes.
Remove 200 ml of cooking water.
Place the broccoli mixture in a sauté pan, add the pasta water and the cooked pasta.
Heat the pasta dish for a few minutes and top it with lemon zest, salad cheese, and hazelnuts.

Enjoy!

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

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.

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