Creamy pasta and broccoli recipe. This is a great idea for vegetarians - a real favourite!!
This simple, easy to make pasta dish is a great alternative to macaroni and cheese. The white sauce is tasty, without an overpowering red or cream sauce--a perfect warm dish still appropriate for summer days. The recipe is also a great way to help children like broccoli and develop a taste for Italian alternatives to spaghetti. Note, this recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan.
Ingredients
60 g butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
450 g dried ribbon pasta
460 g broccoli, broken into florets
150 ml/1/4 pint boiling vegetable stock
1 tbsp plain flour
150 ml single light cream
60g grated mozzarella cheese
freshly grated nutmeg
salt and pepper
- Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and pasta to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add the vegetable stock, bring back to the boil and simmer for another 12 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the cream and bring to a simmering point, without boiling. Add the grated cheese and season with salt and nutmeg.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture ad pour over the cheese sauce. Cook stirring occasionally for 3 minutes. Transfer the pasta, broccoli mixture to a warm serving dish and serve.
