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Creamy Tomato Pasta with Broccoli

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

A quick and satisfying dish featuring al dente pasta coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a hint of coconut milk, fresh broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that’s both creamy and vibrant with the freshness of vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Sauce and Vegetables:
    • 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
    • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 medium head broccoli, florets cut small (large stem removed)
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1/4 cup tomato paste
    • 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes
    • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 7.5 oz full-fat coconut milk (see note below)
    • Black pepper, for serving
  • For the Pasta:
    • 8 oz pasta (your choice, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)


Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion:

  • In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and kosher salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.

3. Add Vegetables:

  • Add the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and broccoli florets to the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of water, stir, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

4. Make the Sauce:

  • Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine and Serve:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors. Top with freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Coconut Milk Tip: If your coconut milk has separated, simply whisk the contents of the can in a bowl until smooth. Use half for the recipe and save the rest for another dish, like smoothies or curries.

This dish is great for a quick weeknight meal, and the coconut milk adds a creamy richness to the tomato sauce. You can customize it with other vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg