Creamy Broccoli Ziti Delight
This Creamy Broccoli Ziti Delight is a versatile stovetop dish that brings together the hearty flavors of ziti pasta and the vibrant nutrition of fresh broccoli. With a luscious combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a hit with kids and adults alike. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring your family enjoys a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Indulge in the richness of Newman's Own Basil & Tomato sauce paired with the freshness of chopped parsley, creating a colorful and delectable plate that satisfies the entire family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ziti pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
fresh broccoli florets
12 ounce bag (prepped)
pasta sauce
26 ounce jar (choose a brand like Newman's Own Basil & Tomato)
part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 ounces (diced)
fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
2
Four minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water.
3
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, combine the pasta sauce and ricotta cheese in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain the mixture and return it to the original pot.
5
Pour the warm sauce mixture over the pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to combine and evenly coat all ingredients.
6
Quickly add the diced mozzarella and half of the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mozzarella cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
7
Transfer the ziti to a large serving bowl, garnishing with the remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Ziti Delight?
Creamy Broccoli Ziti Delight is a versatile stovetop pasta dish featuring ziti, fresh broccoli, and a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This recipe is quick and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Is this a stovetop or baked dish?
This is a stovetop recipe, making it faster and easier than traditional baked ziti.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of uncooked ziti pasta.
Can I substitute the ziti with another pasta?
Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
How much broccoli is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce bag of fresh broccoli florets.
When should I add the broccoli to the pot?
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water four minutes before the pasta is fully cooked.
What specific pasta sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 26-ounce jar of Newman's Own Basil & Tomato sauce.
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella is needed?
You will need 3 ounces of part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be diced before being added to the dish.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine the pasta sauce and ricotta cheese in a large saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until heated through.
How long does the sauce take to heat?
The sauce and ricotta mixture takes about 5-7 minutes to heat through.
Do I need to drain the broccoli and pasta separately?
No, you drain the pasta and broccoli together once they are both cooked.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How do I incorporate the parsley and parmesan?
Add half of the chopped parsley and parmesan into the pasta mixture and use the remaining half as a garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, frozen florets can be used; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they don't become too mushy.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The fresh parsley should be chopped before use.
How do I ensure the mozzarella melts properly?
Stir the diced mozzarella into the warm pasta and sauce until it is fully melted and evenly distributed.
Should I return the pasta to the pot after draining?
Yes, return the drained pasta and broccoli to the original pot before adding the sauce.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only pasta, vegetables, sauce, and cheese.
How do I combine the sauce with the pasta?
Pour the warm sauce and ricotta mixture over the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to coat.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The addition of ricotta cheese to the tomato-based pasta sauce creates a luscious, creamy texture.
How should the dish be served?
Transfer the ziti to a large serving bowl and garnish with the remaining parsley and parmesan.
What temperature should the sauce be heated at?
The sauce should be heated over medium-low heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add meat to this dish?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add cooked chicken or ground sausage if desired.