Garlic Butter Broccoli Rigatoni
This Garlic Butter Broccoli Rigatoni is a delightful one-dish meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and aromatic garlic. Passed down from my charming Italian neighbor, who infused every recipe with love and wisdom, this dish is designed for effortless cooking without the hassle of pre-steaming the broccoli. The combination of butter and olive oil creates a rich and savory base, while the fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food in a simple and delicious way.
N/A
Servings
387.5
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
16 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Used for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
12 (Minced or pressed)
Broccoli florets
1 1/2-2 lbs (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Vegetable broth
1 cup (Used for steaming)
Fresh basil
1 bunch (Chiffonaded)
Salt
To taste
Black pepper
To taste
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the pan is spacious enough to combine all ingredients.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent it from browning.
4
Introduce the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to take on a bright green color.
5
Pour in the vegetable broth and immediately cover the skillet. Let the broccoli steam for about 5-7 minutes until it is tender but still crisp.
6
Remove the cover and stir in the fresh basil, allowing its aroma to meld with the other ingredients.
7
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8
Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
9
Serve hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese, allowing it to melt into the dish.
Nutrition Information
16.875g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Broccoli Rigatoni?
It is a delightful one-dish meal featuring fresh broccoli, aromatic garlic, and rigatoni pasta in a savory butter and olive oil base.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses vegetable broth and parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 garlic cloves, which should be minced or pressed.
Do I need to steam the broccoli before adding it to the pan?
No, the broccoli is cooked and steamed directly in the skillet with vegetable broth for easier preparation.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 16 ounces of Rigatoni pasta.
How much broccoli is required?
You will need between 1.5 to 2 pounds of broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
What creates the savory base of the sauce?
The base is created by melting 4 tablespoons of butter together with 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
The minced garlic should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
What is the liquid used to steam the broccoli?
One cup of vegetable broth is added to the skillet to steam the broccoli.
How long does the broccoli take to steam?
The broccoli should steam covered for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is tender but still crisp.
When is the fresh basil added?
The fresh basil is stirred in after the broccoli has steamed and the cover has been removed.
How is the fresh basil prepared?
One bunch of fresh basil should be chiffonaded before being added to the dish.
What should I do if the pasta mixture seems too dry?
You can add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe suggests topping the dish with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 387.5 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 16.875g per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this recipe contain per serving?
Each serving contains 52.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is described as a comfort food classic.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The rigatoni should be cooked in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifically calls for olive oil to be combined with butter for a rich Italian flavor.
What seasonings are used for this dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe designed for effortless cooking.
What texture should the broccoli have when finished?
The broccoli should be bright green, tender, but still hold a slight crispness.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was passed down from a charming Italian neighbor.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
This dish is meant to be served hot so the cheese can melt into the pasta.
How is the garlic prepared for the pan?
The 12 cloves of garlic should be either minced or pressed.
Is this recipe considered an Italian dish?
Yes, it is categorized as an Italian recipe with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, and basil.