Whole-Family Pasta with Broccoli and Cauliflower

4.0
(26)
19 Reviews
7 Photos

Many children, especially picky eaters, love pasta loaded with plain butter — a dish that clearly earns low marks on the health scale. This combination of broccoli, cauliflower, and pasta is a great alternative that adds fiber and protein with cannellini beans, which kids actually love!

Submitted by ChefBillT
Updated on February 16, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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close up overhead view of Whole-Family Pasta with Broccoli, beans and Cauliflower, garnished with cheese, on a white plate
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets

  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

  • ⅔ cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost (but not quite) done, about 9 minutes. Drain.

  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Add broccoli and cauliflower florets; cook for 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, cover, and cook for 3 minutes.

  3. Add beans, broth, butter, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook until beans are warm and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add pasta; cook and stir until heated through, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Tips

Use whole grain or whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

387 Calories
12g Fat
56g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 387
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 395mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 56g 20%
Dietary Fiber 15g 53%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 15g 31%
Vitamin C 55mg 62%
Calcium 119mg 9%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 364mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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