Broccoli Siciliano

Roxygirl in Colorado's Note:

This has been a comfort dish for me for years. Different from the broccoli side dishes that call for cream soup (I love them, too!), this one has a buttery Parmesan sauce that goes great with the broccoli. The oregano is the secret ingredient that makes this dish. This can also makes a satisfying meatless entree. Note: this can be a terrific main dish using rigatoni noodles.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs broccoli florets (fresh)
• 1/2 lb small shell pasta
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup butter (you can decrease to 1/4 cup if desired)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Boil pasta in salted water to cover about 5 minutes and add the broccoli for the last couple minutes(I like my broccoli in this dish cooked until almost mushy).
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
3. Drain off about TWO THIRDS of the water (Keep the rest, about 1/2-1 cup, since this makes the sauce. I recommend using the first 1/2 and see if it's the desired consistency, and if more liquid is needed, add the other half cup).
4. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and parmesan, oregano, butter, salt and pepper.
5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until blended.
6. Makes 6 side dish servings.
7. Note: you can double this recipe.

Reviews

[Dagny Taggart]

This was so good! I didn't really have a lot of stuff to cook with and was determined to make a meal out of bow tie pasta and broccoli. I found this recipe and tried it without the tomato and mushrooms, but added a little bit of rosemary and some minced garlic. This was such a good dinner put together with foods I usually have on-hand. My husband and I both loved it and will definitely be having it again. Thank you for sharing.

[a_olson82]

this was nice and simple, i ommited the mushrooms and subbed red peppers, though i overcooked the pasta which kindof spoiled everything. :( live and learn.

[Country Cook in Oklahoma]

I made this today. I had just finished when my daughter dropped by, the first thing she said when she saw the dish was "this should be called Christmas Pasta with the beautiful red and green colors". This was not only pretty but very tasty. We all loved it!! Thanks for posting.