Pasta Con Broccoli

Anything with pasta and cheese is comforting to me. This was simple, easy, delicious comfort food.

Pasta Con Broccoli adapted from this recipe, originally from The Pasta House Co. in St. Louis

8 oz. penne pasta

1 1/2 cups fat-free half and half

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 minced garlic cloves

1/2 cup canned tomato sauce

2 cups chopped frozen broccoli

salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Boil a large pot of salted water.  Cook the pasta until halfway done (about 5 min. for the penne I used).  Drain pasta and return to pot.  Add half and half, butter, garlic, and tomato sauce.  Bring to a boil and add broccoli, salt and pepper to taste.  Boil for about another 4-5 minutes (on med-high) until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick.  Stir frequently or the sauce will stick to the bottom of the pan.  Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese.

Serves 4.