Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. And if you’re craving a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Instructions
Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s go step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked ziti and broccoli to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This step-by-step process is reminiscent of the afternoons spent in my abuela’s kitchen, where simple ingredients transformed into dishes that brought everyone to the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International