Looking for a quick and delicious meal that bursts with flavor and color? Look no further than our Elbows with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes! This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome delight that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch, this recipe combines the comforting texture of elbow macaroni with the freshness of broccoli and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this simple yet satisfying American classic!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: elbow macaroni, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. If using frozen, you can add it directly to the boiling pasta in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves) to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cherry tomatoes (halved) to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- When the macaroni is cooked, drain it along with the broccoli if you added it separately. Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the dish later.
- Add the drained macaroni and broccoli to the pan with the garlic and cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the cooking time on the elbow macaroni package closely. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Fresh vs. Frozen: If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets for even cooking. If you opt for frozen, just toss it in during the last two minutes of the pasta’s cooking time for a quick and easy addition.
- Garlic Love: Keep an eye on your garlic while sautéing; it can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash. A minute is usually all it takes to achieve that perfect golden aroma.
- Tomato Tactics: For a burst of flavor, choose ripe cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This will help them release their juices and create a delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water! It’s a great way to loosen up the dish if it feels dry and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your dish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes to add a touch of richness and heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
