Craving a quick and flavorful dinner? This Easy Skillet Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is your answer.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels fancy but comes together in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta dish is packed with rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of garlic.
It’s a simple, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Steps
- Toast 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts in a large skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until they release a toasty aroma. Once toasted, transfer them to a medium bowl.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté on medium heat for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add 1/2 lb of frozen broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes until thawed, then transfer them to the bowl with the walnuts.
- Chop 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. In the skillet, combine 8 oz of bowtie pasta, the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir the ingredients together.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, increase the heat to high, and bring the broth to a boil. Stir the pasta, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Return the broccoli and walnuts to the skillet and mix them with the pasta. While the pasta simmers, zest the lemon and crumble 2 oz of feta cheese.
- Sprinkle the pasta with the crumbled feta and lemon zest before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 fresh lemon (juice and zest)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1923.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 219.12g | Protein: 55.52g | Fat: 96.32g | Sodium: 3000.52mg | Fiber: 22.92g
FAQ
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli for the frozen variety. Simply cut it into small florets and sauté them until they’re tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
- Is it possible to use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
- Absolutely! If you don’t have feta or prefer a different flavor, you can use Parmesan or goat cheese as alternatives. Just remember that each cheese will bring its own unique taste to the dish.
- Can I replace walnuts with another type of nut?
- Yes, if walnuts are not available or are too costly, you can use almonds or skip the nuts altogether. The dish will still be delicious without them.
- How can I store leftover feta cheese?
- You can freeze leftover feta cheese for future use. It’s a good idea to cut an 8oz block into 2oz portions before freezing, so you only need to thaw what you plan to use next.
- What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
- If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them entirely, though they do add a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
Tips
- Feta Storage Tip: Feta cheese can be pricey, so use it sparingly to add a burst of flavor. Consider cutting an 8oz block into four smaller pieces and freezing the portions you don’t use immediately. This ensures you have feta on hand for future recipes without waste.
- Walnut Substitution: If walnuts are out of your budget, you can skip them altogether and still enjoy a delicious dish. Alternatively, consider using a more affordable nut or seed as a substitute to maintain some crunch.
- Broccoli Cooking Tip: When adding frozen broccoli to the skillet, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Simply sauté until it’s just thawed to avoid overcooking and maintain its texture.
- Pasta Cooking Technique: While cooking the pasta, remember that it’s okay if the vegetable broth doesn’t fully cover it. The steam trapped under the lid will help cook the uncovered portions, ensuring evenly cooked pasta.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – Essential for cooking the pasta and sautéing ingredients.
- Zester or Small-Holed Cheese Grater – Needed for zesting the lemon.
- Garlic Press or Mince – Useful for mincing garlic efficiently.
- Medium Bowl – For holding the toasted walnuts and broccoli temporarily.
