If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, look no further than 1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce. Not only is it low-calorie at only 173 calories, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Broccoli has long been known as a superfood for good reason, and combining it with a creamy sauce makes it even more irresistible.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and folate. The cream sauce adds some calcium and protein to the mix, making it a well-rounded dish. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a nutritious and tasty vegetable that adds color and flavor to any meal.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about cooking broccoli with cream sauce, including its nutritional value, health benefits, and variations of the classic recipe. Whether you're a broccoli lover or a skeptic, we hope to convince you to give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

To make 1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce, you'll need:

• 1 cup of cooked broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt

Optional: If you'd like to add some protein, you can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish.

Preparation

Here's how to cook broccoli with cream sauce in just a few easy steps:

1. Cook broccoli florets in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. Add grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt to the cream, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine the cooked broccoli with the cream sauce and toss until the broccoli is evenly coated. Serve hot.

Nutritional Value

One serving of 1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce contains approximately:

• 173 calories
• 14 g of fat
• 6 g of carbohydrates
• 2 g of fiber
• 7 g of protein

This dish is high in vitamins C and K, as well as calcium and protein from the cream and cheese. It's the perfect way to add some nutrients to your meal.

Health Benefits

Broccoli has numerous health benefits, including:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Broccoli is high in vitamins C, K, and folate, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium.
• Antioxidant properties: Broccoli contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, helping to protect your cells from damage.
• Cancer-fighting properties: Some studies suggest that broccoli may have compounds that can help prevent certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer.

Adding cream sauce to broccoli does add some calories and fat, but in moderation, is a great way to make this healthy vegetable even tastier.

Broccoli Varieties

While most of us are familiar with common green broccoli, did you know that there are many different varieties of broccoli?

• Broccolini: A cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, this vegetable has long, thin stems and small florets.
• Rapini: Also known as broccoli rabe, this leafy green has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in Italian cuisine.
• Broccoli sprouts: These baby broccoli plants are packed with nutrients and have a milder taste than mature broccoli.

Each variety of broccoli has a slightly different flavor and texture, so it's worth experimenting with different types to find your favorite.

Cream Sauce Recipe

Here's the recipe for the cream sauce used in 1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce:

• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt

Simply heat the cream in a pan over medium heat, then add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You can use this sauce on other vegetables like cauliflower or as a dip for breadsticks.

Broccoli and Cheese Cream Sauce

If you want to add even more cheese to your broccoli, try this variation on the cream sauce:

• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt

Simply heat the cream in a pan over medium heat, then add both types of cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This sauce is perfect for pouring over baked potatoes or using as a dip for chips.

How to Store

If you have leftovers of 1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the broccoli and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Uses in Recipes

1 Cup Cooked Broccoli with Cream Sauce is an excellent side dish, but there are many other ways to use it in recipes.

• Add it to pasta: Toss the broccoli and sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy meal.
• Top a pizza: Add the broccoli and sauce as toppings on your next homemade pizza.
• Serve it on a sandwich: Use the broccoli as a flavorful and healthy sandwich filling.
• Make a soup: Puree the broccoli and sauce with chicken stock and cream for a creamy broccoli soup.

The possibilities are endless!

Broccoli FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about cooking with broccoli:

• Q: Can you eat the broccoli stalk?
• A: Yes, the stalk is edible, although it may be tougher than the florets.
• Q: What's the best way to cook broccoli?
• A: Broccoli can be boiled, roasted, steamed, or even grilled depending on your preference.
• Q: How long does broccoli last in the fridge?
• A: Broccoli can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator if stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.