Cavatelli and Broccoli is an easy hearty vegetarian recipe that is great as either an entree or all-in-one side dish. This simple cavatelli dish makes a great dinner for meatless monday or anytime. Cavatelli with broccoli is a classic combination, close to many Italians hearts.
Cavatelli
This easy cheesy Cavatelli with Broccoli recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods. I have lived in Rhode Island all my life, and we have a thriving Italian culinary culture around here. Although I don’t have a drop of Italian in me, most of us in this area, sort of gain a little through proximity, so Cavatelli is standard fare. If you are not familiar with this pasta, cavatelli is made with ricotta cheese right in the dough & the shape is sort of like a chubby canoe or taco. Cavatelli is most often found in the frozen food section right with the frozen ravioli and tortellini. It is a filling pasta and great for cradling sauce in the fold… and it is wonderful with broccoli!
Cavatelli and Broccoli: Making
Here the cavatelli and broccoli is served in a creamy cheese sauce seasoned with garlic. It’s a quick hearty meatless meal on it’s own or serve it along with some grilled or roasted meat. Just be cautious about having eyes too big for your stomach with this one… I wasn’t kidding when I said the cavatelli pasta is filling.
Here are some images showing how easy it is to make cavatelli with broccoli. Full recipe below.
- 1 pound of frozen cavatelli
- 12 oz bag of frozen broccoli
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbs heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar plus a little to sprinkle on top
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Boil cavatelli until a little underdone.
- Microwave the broccoli until just thawed (about 1/2 the suggested time).
- While broccoli is thawing, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until cooked through.
- Add broccoli and saute 1 minute, then add stock and cream. Simmer about 5 minutes, then shut off burner & add cheeses, stir until smooth, then add cavatelli.
- Sprinkle on some more cheese to serve.
Tammy says
I will have to look for frozen cavatelli in our stores, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it.
Donna says
This looks like something I’d love. Yum!
HilLesha says
That looks pretty darn good! 🙂
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
What an easy and delish recipe. I love anything that involved Broccoli and cheese.
Kelsey Apley says
This looks like a nice quick and easy meal, thanks!! Always nice to try out new recipes that are easy enough but so tasty!!
courtney says
Perfect amount of carbs to cheese and then veggie to make it all okay 🙂
Marcie W. says
This looks heavenly and like some much needed comfort food!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I’ve never heard of this before but that photo made my mouth water a little (well, actually a lot).
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen that pasta variety here in Texas — looks so good, Robin
Angela says
I’m pretty sure I’ll be making this. It’s my kind of comfort food too!
Penelope says
That looks so good! And is making me hungry, I think I need to go get something to eat 🙂
Shell Feis says
I’m on board with anything with cheese & broccoli! I haven’t had cavatelli in FOREVER, it sounds good though!
Colleen says
Oh this looks so good I love broccoli and cheese just about anything.
HilLesha says
That looks amazing! I love just about anything with broccoli in it.
Leilani says
I’ve never had cavatelli before, but I love anything with cheesy broccoli in it!
Theresa says
This looks pretty amazing!
Jenn says
This looks really good. Don’t think we have cavatelli here. Wonder what would happen if I used frozen ravioli instead with th broccoli and sauce?
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I’m forwarding this to my mom, she will love it!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I’ve never had cavatelli but it looks delicious in this recipe!
Kathleen says
This looks so good. I think I am going to try adding chicken to it and making it for the boys.