Creamy Pasta and Broccoli (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Broccoli

01 - 220g (3 cups) fusilli pasta
02 - 350g (12.35 ounces) broccoli, stem and florets

→ Sauce

03 - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 - 20g (1⅓ tablespoons) butter
05 - 1 tablespoon flour
06 - 360ml (1½ cups) semi-skimmed milk
07 - 40g (⅓ cup) grated parmesan cheese
08 - 5 tablespoons ricotta cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - Sea salt and pepper to taste
11 - ⅔ cup reserved pasta cooking water

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ⅔ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
02 - Cut the broccoli stem and place it upright on a cutting board. Remove the tough outer layer by cutting downwards around the perimeter. Roughly chop both the stem and florets.
03 - Pulse the chopped broccoli in batches for a few seconds until it forms an even crumbly mixture. Be careful not to overblend into a paste.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add garlic and broccoli rice, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened, stirring continuously. Transfer to a large bowl when done.
05 - In the same pan, heat butter, add flour and whisk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Add milk, increase heat and cook while whisking until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
06 - Remove from heat and whisk in parmesan and ricotta until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stir well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Use both florets and stem of the broccoli for maximum flavor and nutrition.
02 - Pulse broccoli in batches for even texture; avoid overblending into a paste.
03 - Cook broccoli al dente (5-6 minutes) to maintain bright green color and slight crunch.
04 - Compatible pasta shapes include fusilli, penne, macaroni, farfalle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti.
05 - For serving variations, try adding chopped parsley, basil, fried garlic, or parmesan shavings.
06 - Best served immediately. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk and adjust seasoning.
07 - Not suitable for freezing.

Go Back