I’m writing this as my husband prepares to watch the Stanley Cup finals, game 7 between the Canucks and the Bruins. This is a very special day for him, a day he’s been waiting for since he was a boy. Oh yeah, it also happens to be our 9th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, we’ll be spending our anniversary at home in front of the television watching the game and drinking beer. I honestly have no problem with that. We’re very low-key when it comes to anniversaries or any other special occasion. Sometimes we go out for dinner, but often we just like to stay home. After the kids go to bed, we’ll have a nice romantic dinner with wine, candlelight, and soft music in the background. Then we’ll curl up on the couch together and watch a movie. We’re both homebodies, so this kind of date suits us just fine. Plus, we don’t have to pay for a babysitter. Bonus!
This dish is perfect for one of these home date-nights. It’s fast and easy, but still classy enough for wine and candlelight. You can change the vegetable or seafood to whatever you like. I happened to use imitation crab this particular time, which I know isn’t that healthy but it is cheap and fast so don’t judge me. Shrimp, scallops, canned baby clams, or even tuna would be great as well.
Creamy Broccoli and Seafood Pasta
12 oz uncooked fettucine (or other pasta of your choice)
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup light sour cream
1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
1/2 tsp basil
salt and pepper, to taste
Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets.
While pasta cooks, start your sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour onto butter until smooth paste forms. Add milk and whisk well. Continue whisking until milk comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat. Add parmesan cheese, sour cream, basil, crab, and salt and pepper.
Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander once it has finished cooking. Serve with sauce.