Broccoli Macaroni Italiano

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Broccoli Macaroni Italiano, a harmonious blend of creamy Italian flavors and wholesome ingredients. This quick and easy pasta dish combines tender macaroni and vibrant, blanched broccoli florets in a velvety sauce made with rich heavy cream, melted Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Infused with the bold flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for spice, this recipe delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. Perfectly customizable and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an irresistible comfort food that’s ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a visually stunning, restaurant-quality meal your whole family will love! Keywords: Broccoli Macaroni Italiano, creamy pasta, broccoli and cheese, easy Italian pasta recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4

Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Add the drained macaroni and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 7

Serve the Broccoli Macaroni Italiano immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, or extra red pepper flakes, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1109.1 grams (1109.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2764

Total Fat 137.30g	176%
Saturated Fat 67.40g	337%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 328mg	109%
Sodium 3276mg	142%
Total Carbohydrate 281.90g	103%
Dietary Fiber 20.90g	75%
Total Sugars 16.30g
Protein 82.20g	164%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1087mg	84%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 962mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 41.9%