Like Macaroni and Cheese—but a little more adult! Get your veggies and a comforting dish with Cavatelli and Broccoli.
I’m probably not alone in remembering my childhood favorite macaroni and cheese. Whenever we walked the aisles of the grocery store, I would beg for a few boxes to take home. Images of cartoon character noodles and orange cheese packets come to mind, and of course my mother would try and hide vegetables whenever she could. As an adult, I still crave the simple comfort found in a bowl of mac and cheese, but I’m not afraid to add some greens these days, that’s where dishes like Cavatelli and Broccoli help fill the craving.
In this dish, you won’t find any packets of cheese. Instead, Parmesan cheese and olive oil are combined to create a light, slightly creamy sauce. You’ll find that the broccoli adds a nice healthy bite to the dish, while the seasonings of red pepper and garlic add depth and kick. The tastes combine to make an elevated pasta dish your younger self may have enjoyed, too. You’ll enjoy the ease and simplicity of this pasta dish and find yourself making it for an easy lunch or dinner any time.
Hungry for more pasta options? Try our Easy Baked Pasta with Rigatoni, The Best Baked Spaghetti, or classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese—carb lovers unite!
Cavatelli Pasta – A Perfect Pasta
When exploring different pasta types, you’ll find a wide range of shapes that serve many different dishes. Spaghetti, for example, goes well with thinner sauces like Marinara or Vodka Sauce because of its thin and slender form. Cavatelli is a unique pasta shape, shaped like a football or hot dog bun. The noodle helps give dishes a bit of an al dente bite since it is more dense than some of its other noodle counterparts.
The ridges on the edge of this pasta are also designed to hold a variety of sauces well. In this case, each crevice will be evenly filled with a deliciously light and cheesy sauce. In other dishes, the Cavatelli pairs well with a variety of meats and sauces, from meatballs to seafood and cream-based to vegetable sauces. The possibilities abound for inspiring ways to use this unique pasta, and you’ll find yourself swapping it in dishes because of its perfect texture and versatility.
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Cavatelli and Broccoli can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months prior to eating. If freezing, you can thaw the dish 1 day ahead of time in the fridge and reheat it on the stove for near-new results. If you include a bit of pasta water in the container when saving, it can help moisten the noodles when reheating them.
Serving Suggestions
You can complete your meal with a nice Garlic roll or slice of toasted baguette to grab any extra sauce in your bowl. If you’re looking to add a bit of protein, a nice side of marinated chicken or Baked Chicken Thighs will round out your dinner or lunch nicely. The convenience of having pasta and veggies together means a one-pan meal with less fuss and more nutrition. Also, you can certainly enjoy leftovers in the days ahead. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink for your easy pasta dish, check out our Southern Sweet Tea recipe here.
Cavatelli and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound cavatelli pasta
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatelli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté until they are bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and salt to taste.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Toss to combine, adding a little pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
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