Spaghetti is a beloved dish, found on dinner tables around the world in various forms. While pasta often calls for rich sauces and heavy cheeses, there’s something uniquely satisfying about a lighter, vegetable-centric version. The Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant, flavorful dish that embraces simplicity yet delivers a punch of taste. It’s a combination of crisp, tender broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all tied together with the richness of butter and olive oil. A slight kick of chili pepper and the smoothness of Greek yogurt or sour cream make this dish perfect for those who crave both comfort and a bit of heat.
Whether you’re a fan of fresh, healthy meals or someone looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and nutrients. The best part is that it can easily be customized based on what’s available in your kitchen or what you’re craving. With minimal prep and cook time, Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes is an easy and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, from vegetarians to those just looking for a change from traditional pasta dishes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 400g spaghetti
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
For the Vegetable Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 55g butter
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 chili pepper, sliced
- Some water (for sautéing)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Steps to Make Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes
- Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the 55g of butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan, cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the broccoli becomes tender but still crisp. If necessary, add a bit of water to the pan to help steam the broccoli and keep it from burning.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and burst slightly.
- Stir in the chili pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired. Pour in the vegetable broth and allow the vegetables to simmer for 5 minutes, creating a flavorful sauce base.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), ketchup, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
- Mix well to form a smooth and creamy sauce. Set aside.
- Combine Pasta with Vegetable Sauce:
- Once the vegetables have finished cooking, add the drained spaghetti to the pan. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated with the delicious garlic-broccoli mixture.
- If the sauce appears too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help bring it together.
- Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti and top with a generous dollop of the creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Prep Time:
- 10-15 minutes (for chopping vegetables and garlic)
Cooking Time:
- 20-25 minutes (for sautéing vegetables and cooking the pasta)
Total Time:
- 35-40 minutes
Calories:
- Estimated at around 450-500 kcal per serving (for a dish that serves 4)
Servings:
- This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small family or dinner gathering.
Why This Dish Is Timeless
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a simple yet flavorful sauce. Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes highlights some of the best elements of Mediterranean cooking—healthy fats, bright vegetables, and a balance of textures. It’s a dish that feels hearty enough to satisfy, yet light and fresh, making it perfect for any season.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can add in other vegetables based on what you have on hand—zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers all work wonderfully in place of or alongside the broccoli and tomatoes. You can even switch the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option if you have dietary restrictions, or play with different herbs and spices for a flavor profile that suits your taste.
What truly makes this recipe timeless is its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of garlic and butter creates a savory base that enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the slight bitterness of the broccoli, while the creamy yogurt sauce adds a smooth contrast to the crunchy vegetables. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that feels both hearty and fresh, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to make it your own.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: ~475 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream for the creamy sauce. Additionally, choose a vegetable broth that is vegan-friendly.
- Can I use other pasta shapes? Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap in other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The sauce will coat any pasta beautifully.
- How can I add more protein to this dish? If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to the dish. These ingredients will complement the flavors well and make the meal more filling.
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: To retain the broccoli’s vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, make sure to not overcook it. A little crunch adds a great texture contrast to the dish.
- Use high-quality olive oil: Since olive oil is used both for sautéing and drizzling, using a good extra virgin olive oil will enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Add some Parmesan: If you’re not strictly vegan, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a nice savory, umami kick to the dish.
- Adjust the heat: The chili pepper adds a nice spice to this dish, but you can adjust the amount based on your personal heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, you can leave it out altogether.
Storage Tips:
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vegetables may soften a bit, but the dish will still taste delicious. Reheat in a pan with a bit of water or broth to bring the flavors back together.
Conclusion
Spaghetti with Garlic, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes is a timeless dish that showcases the beauty of simplicity. Its fresh, vibrant ingredients combined with a creamy, flavorful sauce make it a family-friendly meal that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a way to add more vegetables to your diet, this pasta dish is a satisfying, versatile choice that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a perfect example of how Mediterranean-inspired meals are both healthy and full of flavor, and it will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen for years to come. Try it today, and enjoy a meal that’s as nourishing as it is comforting!