Broccoli Asparagus Pasta

You’ll love this Broccoli Asparagus Pasta – a combination of al dente pasta, crisp asparagus, and tender broccoli in creamy sauce. It’s a simple but delicious dish that promises a medley of flavors in every bite – a satisfying and wholesome weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes!

Asparagus broccoli pasta

Sometimes cooking can be a daunting task, especially if you have a 9 – 5 but still love a fresh weeknight dinner. For days like this, I turn to my collection of easy recipes to make like this broccoli asparagus pasta. This recipe works for busy families that still love to eat nutritious meals. This recipe incorporates the goodness of fresh vegetables in a bowl of a comforting meal, creating a wholesome and enjoyable meal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with the goodness of broccoli and asparagus, this meal is nutritional. You get your veggies and a satisfying meal all in one.
• You can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or toss in your favorite herbs and spices to elevate the flavors.
• There’s minimal cleanup involved and that’s always a plus! With this recipe, you’ll only need one pot to cook the pasta and a skillet to sautee the veggies together, making your life easier.

Ingredients for broccoli and asparagus pasta

• Short Pasta (any shape): Use any type of pasta shape of your choosing and dietary needs. The best shapes to use are bow-tie pasta, macaroni, or spirals. Most with short and small shapes will do.

• Broccoli: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli adds a nutritional punch to this dish. It also provides a satisfying crunch to balance the overall texture of the meal. Pick out a fresh one, wash it, and cut it into small florets.

• Asparagus: Asparagus brings a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Cut them down into bite sizes for a more pleasurable experience.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: this is needed for sauteeing the broccoli, asparagus, garlic cloves, and onions.

• Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a savory and aromatic flavor. Garlic and pasta are usually a match.

• Heavy Cream: The cream adds a base in combination with cheese to bind the flavors and all the elements of the dish.

• White Onion: It adds more to the dish with its light sweetness and aroma.

• Salt and Black Pepper: acts as a flavor enhancer.

• Parmesan Cheese: Cheese provides a rich and cheesy element to the dish. Use as a garnish to add a depth of flavor that ties everything together

• Lemon Zest or Lemon Juice (optional): Brighten up the dish with a hint of citrusy freshness. It balances the richness of the dish.

Substitutions

• Olive Oil: You can use butter or a neutral oil like canola oil or butter if you prefer a different flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated pecorino or Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for a unique twist.

• Feel free to use broccolini in place of broccoli.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Save some pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. In the same pot or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant then add minced garlic. Add the asparagus and broccoli florets to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp and look bright green.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Save a cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce if you find it too thick. If you like some heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes at this point.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5. Serve. Divide the pasta among plates. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese, basil or fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Enjoy!

Extra Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the veggies. The key to a successful pasta dish is perfectly cooked vegetables. Keep them slightly crisp for a delightful texture.
• Don’t forget to save some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce.

How to serve

This asparagus and broccoli pasta dish is satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread, or a simple green salad. Another idea is to serve with a meat of your choice like baked chicken thighs.

Variations for this pasta with broccoli and asparagus

• Plain version: you can make a cream-free broccoli asparagus pasta by leaving out the use of heavy cream or cheese in the sauce. It still makes a great-tasting pasta dish perfect.
• If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Add more vegetables: Throw in somesautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or cherry tomatoes that pair well with the veggies.

How to store and reheat

To store the leftover broccoli asparagus pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the pasta from drying out. When ready to reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop.

For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it reaches your desired temperature. If reheating on the stovetop, place the pasta in a pan with a splash of water or additional cream to maintain moisture, and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Add more cream or water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Reheat until thoroughly warmed. Remember that creamy pasta dishes may thicken in the refrigerator, so you might need to add a bit of liquid when reheating to restore the desired creaminess.

Another Broccoli Recipe To Try

Creamy Tahini Pasta with Garlic and Broccoli

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