Delicious Cavatelli con Broccoli Recipe: Savor the Flavor! 2024

Cavatelli con Broccoli is a mouthwatering Italian pasta dish. It’s pronounced “kah-vah-TEL-lee kohn broh-KOH-lee.” This dish brings together tender cavatelli pasta and vibrant, nutritious broccoli, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The flavors of Cavatelli con Broccoli are fantastic! The pasta is chewy yet tender, and the broccoli adds a slight crunch. The dish is usually savory, with a touch of garlic and olive oil complementing the earthy taste of the broccoli.

Cavatelli con Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) cavatelli pasta
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving

Making Cavatelli con Broccoli:

• Prepare the Pasta:
  • Take a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Once the water is boiling, add the cavatelli pasta into the pot. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is “al dente,” which means it’s cooked but still slightly firm to the bite.

• Prepare the Broccoli:
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the head of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
  • To cook the broccoli, you have a couple of options:
  • Steaming Method: Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-6 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
  • Blanching Method: Alternatively, you can blanch the broccoli by adding the florets to boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then quickly transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté it gently for about a minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it can turn bitter.

• Combine Broccoli and Sauce:
  • Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add the cooked broccoli florets into the pan with the garlic and oil.
  • Gently toss the broccoli in the oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

• Cook and Combine:
  • By this time, your cavatelli pasta should be cooked and ready. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander.
  • Add the drained cavatelli pasta into the pan with the broccoli and sauce.
  • Gently toss everything together in the pan, making sure the pasta and broccoli are well combined and coated with the flavorful garlic oil.

• Serve:
  • Transfer the Cavatelli con Broccoli to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Cavatelli con Broccoli!

• Storage:
  • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan on the stove or microwave it, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still have a nice crunch.
2. Use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
3. Feel free to add some cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Yield, Prep Time and Calories

• Yield: The Cavatelli con Broccoli recipe typically yields about 4 servings.
• Prep Time: The estimated prep time for this recipe is around 15-20 minutes.
• Calories: The calorie count for a serving of Cavatelli con Broccoli can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, on average, a serving of Cavatelli con Broccoli with the basic ingredients described earlier (including pasta, broccoli, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper) could be approximately 300-350 calories per serving.

Information	Details
Yield	Approximately 4 servings
Prep Time	About 15-20 minutes
Calories	Approximately 300-350 calories per serving

Cavatelli con Broccoli Sauces Recipe

Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream and butter mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
4. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasoning like nutmeg or garlic powder. Stir well.
5. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat and pour it over your cooked Cavatelli pasta and broccoli. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Tomato Basil Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and stir well.
4. Add chopped fresh basil leaves to the sauce. Season with salt and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
5. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked Cavatelli pasta and broccoli. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly with the tomato basil sauce.

What to Serve with Cavatelli con Broccoli

1. Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the pasta.
2. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Slices of garlic bread or a crusty loaf can be perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce from the Cavatelli con Broccoli.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Prepare some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus as a side dish. The smoky flavors of grilled veggies can complement the pasta dish wonderfully.
4. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for a flavorful and varied accompaniment to the meal.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread slices topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil make for a tasty and light side dish.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Serve some roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a hearty addition to your meal.

Enjoy your delicious Cavatelli con Broccoli! Buon Appetito!

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