Garlic Butter Cavatelli with Broccoli
Indulge in this delightful Garlic Butter Cavatelli with Broccoli, a flavorful and satisfying meatless dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend feast. The tender cavatelli, enveloped in a rich garlic and butter sauce, pairs beautifully with fresh broccoli, creating a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. This recipe is made even better with the addition of grated parmesan cheese that elevates the flavors, making each bite a treat. Serve this alongside a refreshing tomato salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your liking for an extra burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen cavatelli
16 ounce bag (cooked according to package directions)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
chicken broth
1 cup (none)
broccoli
1 head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the frozen cavatelli according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over low heat, combine the olive oil and unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt slowly, blending with the oil for added richness.
3
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a light golden brown and becomes fragrant—a process that usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a steady boil.
5
Add the bite-sized broccoli pieces to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the broccoli to simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is tender yet still bright in color.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cavatelli with the garlic butter and broccoli mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the cavatelli is evenly coated.
7
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and toss again to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
8
Serve immediately, enjoying your dish with a side of fresh tomato salad and crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Cavatelli with Broccoli?
It is a flavorful and satisfying meatless pasta dish featuring tender cavatelli, a rich garlic butter sauce, and fresh broccoli.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 16-ounce bag of frozen cavatelli cooked according to the package directions.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves, though you can adjust this amount to your personal preference for more flavor.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to allow better control over the saltiness of the dish.
Why is olive oil added to the butter?
Olive oil is combined with the butter to add richness and help prevent the butter from burning during the sautéing process.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden brown.
What liquid is used to cook the broccoli?
One cup of chicken broth is used to simmer the broccoli and create the base of the sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the dish is described as meatless, it uses chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, you should substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
One head of broccoli should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the skillet.
How long does the broccoli need to simmer?
The broccoli should simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is tender but still maintains its bright color.
What kind of cheese is added to the dish?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top after the pasta and broccoli have been combined, then toss again.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing tomato salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, though the simmering time may need to be adjusted slightly compared to fresh broccoli.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
Begin by cooking the frozen cavatelli according to its package directions, then drain it and set it aside.
What temperature should I use to melt the butter and oil?
The butter and olive oil should be combined in a large skillet over low heat.
Do I need to cover the skillet when cooking the broccoli?
Yes, cover the skillet after adding the broccoli and reducing the heat to medium-low.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cavatelli with the garlic butter and broccoli mixture and toss gently.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference during the final tossing step.
What is the texture of the finished broccoli?
The broccoli should be tender yet still bright in color, indicating it is cooked but not mushy.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: frozen cavatelli, olive oil, unsalted butter, garlic, chicken broth, broccoli, and parmesan cheese.
Can I use other pasta shapes if I don't have cavatelli?
While cavatelli is traditional for this dish, other small pasta shapes like orecchiette or shells would work well as substitutes.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to toss the pasta with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Should the garlic be minced or sliced?
The garlic should be minced to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the butter sauce.
What heat setting is used to boil the broth?
Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the chicken broth mixture to a steady boil.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to taste the dish before adding any additional salt at the end.
Does this dish contain any meat?
The recipe is meatless, making it a great option for vegetarians if vegetable broth is used instead of chicken broth.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of pasta, butter, and cheese makes this a very comforting and satisfying meal.