Cavatelli and Broccoli is an easy hearty vegetarian recipe. This simple cavatelli recipe makes a great family dinner for Meatless Monday or all-in-one side dish anytime. Cavatelli with broccoli is a classic combination, close to many Italians hearts.
This easy cheesy Cavatelli with Broccoli recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods. It is a budget friendly meal too!
Cavatelli
Because I grew up in Rhode Island , I grew up eating cavatelli. We have a thriving Italian culinary culture around here. Although I don't have a drop of Italian in me, like most locals, Cavatelli is kind of standard fare for me.
If you are not familiar with this pasta, cavatelli is made with ricotta cheese right in the dough. The shape of the pasta 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!
How to Make Cavatelli and Broccoli
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.
Cook time: 15 minutes |
Ingredients for the recipe.
- cavatelli
- broccoli fresh or frozen
- butter or olive oil
- a clove of garlic, minced
- chicken stock
- heavy cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- red pepper flakes *** optional
Printable recipe card with adjustments by serving is below.
Directions with Pictures
Here are some images showing how easy it is to make cavatelli with broccoli.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then drop in the cavatelli pasta. Stir with a slotted spoon to avoid sticking. Proceed with cooking cavatelli until it is al dente (a little underdone).
Drain the pasta water and set aside, to add to the rest of the dish later.
In a large skillet over medium heat melt butter, then sauté the garlic in it.
Once the garlic is cooked, add the broccoli and sauté.
- If using frozen broccoli florets , just 1 minute.
- If fresh broccoli, until firm yet cooked.
Then add the chicken broth and cream. Simmer, stirring regularly for 5 minutes.
Turn off burner and stir in the cheese.
Combine the cavatelli with the broccoli. Folding together until well mixed and the pasta is coated.
Add remaining cheese and serve.
Make this meatless meal any night. Serve with some Raspberry Iced Tea and maybe an Applesauce Cake or Strawberry Pie for dessert.
Cheesy Cavatelli and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound cavatelli (I used frozen)
- 12 oz broccoli (I used thawed frozen)
- 1 tbs butter or olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tbs heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar plus a little to sprinkle on top
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes **** optional (just a sprinkle)
Instructions
- Boil cavatelli in salted water until a little underdone. Drain the pasta water and set cavatelli aside.
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until cooked through.
- Add broccoli and saute 1 minute, then add the broth and cream. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, then shut off burner & add cheeses, stir until smooth, then add cavatelli and fold in until well coated.
- Season with red pepper flakes and/or salt and pepper, if you like. (optional)
- Sprinkle on some more cheese to serve.
Video
Nutrition
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.