Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Linguine Sauce
Savor the delicious flavors of this Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Linguine Sauce, an irresistible combination of fresh broccoli, rich cheeses, and fragrant herbs, perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe elevates your favorite pasta with a creamy sauce that's not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients from the vibrant green broccoli and toasted walnuts. Ideal for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to delight your palate and impress your guests. Share the love by making this delightful sauce that beautifully coats al dente linguine, providing a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli
1 lb (separated into small flowerets, stalks peeled and cut into 1/4 inch julienne)
Scallion
2/3 cup (minced)
Butter
1/3 cup (unsalted)
Half-and-half
1 cup (or heavy cream)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed to a paste)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Gorgonzola
1/2 cup (cut into small cubes)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch
Linguine
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Walnuts
1/3 cup (finely chopped and lightly toasted)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and immediately refresh under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Pat dry and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced scallions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the half-and-half, dried basil, and crushed garlic. Allow to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4
Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and well-combined.
5
Fold in the prepared broccoli, adding cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and broccoli is evenly coated.
6
Serve the creamy sauce over cooked linguine, and generously sprinkle with toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Linguine Sauce?
It is a rich and savory pasta sauce made with fresh broccoli, Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheeses, half-and-half, and toasted walnuts, served over linguine.
How long does it take to cook the broccoli for this recipe?
The broccoli should be boiled in salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until tender, then immediately refreshed under cold water.
What type of pasta is best for this creamy sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of linguine, cooked al dente, to best complement the creamy texture.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of half-and-half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
Which cheeses are used in this broccoli sauce?
This recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese cut into small cubes.
How should the broccoli be prepared before cooking?
Separate the broccoli into small flowerets, then peel the stalks and cut them into 1/4 inch julienne pieces.
What is the purpose of refreshing the broccoli under cold water?
Refreshing the broccoli under cold running water halts the cooking process, ensuring the vegetable retains its vibrant green color and firm texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Is this Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Linguine Sauce vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredient list, this recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
What should I do with the walnuts?
The walnuts should be finely chopped and lightly toasted, then sprinkled over the finished pasta for added crunch.
How long should I cook the scallions in butter?
Cook the minced scallions in 1/3 cup of unsalted butter for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic to be crushed into a paste before adding it to the simmering liquid.
When do I add the cheese to the sauce?
Add the Parmesan and Gorgonzola gradually after the half-and-half mixture has simmered for about 5 minutes and thickened slightly.
What spices are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of unsalted butter.
Does the recipe use both broccoli florets and stalks?
Yes, it uses both the small flowerets and the peeled, julienned stalks for different textures.
Is the sauce simmered after adding the broccoli?
Yes, after folding in the broccoli, you should cook it for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
What provides the crunch in this dish?
Toasted walnuts provide a crunchy texture that balances the creamy sauce.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically recommends unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you adjust the additional salt seasoning at the end.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces, though it serves as a complete pasta dish.
Should the scallions be minced or chopped?
The recipe specifies 2/3 cup of scallions that are finely minced.
How much dried basil is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
What does 'al dente' mean for the linguine?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, not mushy.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
While walnuts are traditional for this flavor profile, pine nuts or pecans would also work well as a substitute.
How do I ensure the Gorgonzola melts properly?
Cutting the Gorgonzola into small cubes and stirring it gradually into the warm cream mixture will help it melt smoothly.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
The recipe only calls for a pinch, which provides a very subtle warmth rather than intense heat.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, while hearty enough for a main meal, it also makes an excellent side dish for grilled proteins.
How long should the half-and-half simmer?
It should simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Should the walnuts be toasted before or after chopping?
The recipe recommends finely chopping the walnuts first and then lightly toasting them.