Creamy Farfalle with Broccoli and Ricotta
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Farfalle with Broccoli and Ricotta. This pasta dish combines the bow-tie shape of farfalle pasta with fresh, vibrant broccoli florets and a rich, creamy ricotta sauce. Prepared in just a few simple steps, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The light nutmeg adds a warm touch, while the garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Serve it hot and garnish with freshly ground black pepper for a complete experience. Your taste buds will thank you for this satisfying and nutritious vegetable-packed recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
farfalle pasta
1 lb (dry)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
garlic
2 cloves (peeled, washed, and crushed)
fresh broccoli florets
4 cups (washed and trimmed)
salt
to taste (for cooking)
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for garnish)
part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup (for mixing)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4
Once the oil is shimmering, add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
5
Stir in the fresh broccoli florets, a pinch of salt, the nutmeg, and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Sauté the broccoli for about 4 minutes until it's bright green and just tender but still crisp.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sautéed broccoli mixture to a large mixing bowl.
8
Add the ricotta cheese to the bowl with the broccoli, stirring gently until combined.
9
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the bowl with the broccoli and ricotta.
10
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy ricotta and broccoli mixture.
11
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Farfalle with Broccoli and Ricotta?
It is a vegetarian pasta dish featuring bow-tie pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy ricotta cheese sauce seasoned with garlic and nutmeg.
How long should I cook the farfalle pasta?
The farfalle pasta should be cooked in boiling salted water for 12-14 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta, is used for this recipe.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is created by combining part-skim ricotta cheese with sautéed garlic, broccoli, and a touch of nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe as indicated by its ingredients and tags.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, washed and trimmed.
How much ricotta cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
What spices provide the unique flavor in this dish?
The dish is flavored with 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Two cloves of garlic should be peeled, washed, and crushed before sautéing.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the crushed garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
How long should the broccoli be cooked in the skillet?
The broccoli should be sautéed for about 4 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
When do I add the ricotta cheese?
Add the ricotta cheese to a large mixing bowl with the sautéed broccoli after the broccoli has been removed from the heat.
How is the pasta incorporated into the dish?
Once drained, the cooked pasta is added to the bowl containing the broccoli and ricotta mixture and tossed until evenly coated.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
This dish should be served immediately while it is still hot.
Can I garnish this pasta?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat.
What is the texture of the broccoli supposed to be?
The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crispness.
How much pasta is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of dry farfalle pasta.
What is the purpose of nutmeg in this recipe?
The nutmeg adds a light, warm touch to the creamy ricotta sauce.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for weeknights.
Do I need to cook the ricotta?
No, the ricotta is stirred into the warm sautéed broccoli and hot pasta rather than being cooked on the stove.
What tools are needed for the broccoli?
You will need a skillet for sautéing and a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so as to be still firm when bitten.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets for the best texture.
Is the garlic chopped or crushed?
The recipe specifies using crushed garlic cloves.
What makes the pasta creamy?
The combination of ricotta cheese and the residual heat from the pasta and broccoli creates a creamy coating.
Is there a specific way to toss the pasta?
You should toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta and broccoli mixture.