Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Add the mashed bananas to the skillet and stir until combined with the broccoli. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bananas are heated through.
5. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 200mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with any other green vegetable such as spinach or kale.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Mash the bananas well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy and lose its texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad and garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the broccoli to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
Penne pasta originated in Italy and is named after the Italian word for "quill" due to its shape.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, sweet, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish.
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