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Recipes

Ranch Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Vidur

• 3 min read
Ranch Broccoli Pasta Recipe

With a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions you can quickly prepare Ranch Broccoli Pasta. The delightful medley of creamy ranch dressing, tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked pasta results in a balance of flavors and textures that will surely leave you wanting seconds. Moreover the inclusion of broccoli adds a punch with its abundance of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Not only broccoli is delicious but it is also rich in essential nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits. Let me share with you a reasons why adding broccoli to your diet can be beneficial:

  1. Broccoli is a provider of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium.
  2. Broccoli contains fiber which supports proper digestion.
  3. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants like sulforaphane which play a role in safeguarding against illnesses and oxidative stress.
  4. Research has indicated that the elements present in broccoli could potentially lower the chances of developing forms of cancer such as breast, lung and prostate.
  5. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients for Ranch Broccoli Pasta

To make our scrumptious Ranch Broccoli Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

  1. 12 oz. of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
  2. 2 cups of broccoli florets
  3. 1 cup of ranch dressing
  4. 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  5. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
  8. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
  6. Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and broccoli, and toss until everything is well coated.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Pasta Perfectly

Cooking pasta to perfection can sometimes be a challenge, but with a few simple tips, you can ensure that your pasta turns out perfectly al dente every time:

  1. Make sure to use a large pot with plenty of water to cook your pasta.
  2. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta.
  3. This will season the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor.
  4. While the pasta is cooking, make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Start testing the pasta for doneness a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the package.
  6. The pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
  7. Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a small cup of the starchy pasta water.
  8. This can be used to thin out the sauce or help bind it to the pasta if needed.

The Versatility of Ranch Dressing in Recipes

Here are some delicious ways you can incorporate ranch dressing into your dishes:

  1. Drizzle ranch dressing over a crisp garden salad, or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables.
  2. Replace mayo or mustard with ranch dressing on your sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
  3. Ranch dressing makes a fantastic dipping sauce for chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or even pizza crusts.
  4. Use ranch dressing as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp before grilling or baking. It adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  5. Instead of traditional tomato sauce, spread ranch dressing on your pizza crust for a unique and tasty twist.
  6. Instead of traditional sour cream, top your baked potatoes with a dollop of ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor.

Variations and Additions to the Ranch Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Here are some variations and additions you can try:

  1. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the pasta for an extra protein kick.
  2. Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  3. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet when sautéing the garlic.
  4. Stir in some grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the pasta for a gooey, cheesy delight.
  5. Experiment with different herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options

Our Ranch Broccoli Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by pairing it with the following options:

  1. Serve the pasta with a side of warm, garlic-infused bread to soak up the delicious ranch dressing.
  2. Accompany the pasta with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
  3. Serve the pasta alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a well-rounded meal.
  4. Pair the pasta with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors.