There is something utterly irresistible about a warm, comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness paired with fresh broccoli and tender pasta. This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe brings together the perfect harmony of rich, velvety sauce and vibrant green broccoli, making it an easy favorite for weeknight dinners or when you just crave something indulgently delicious yet wholesome. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile, thanks to its luscious texture and cheesy flavor that hits every spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients come together in this recipe to create a magnificent blend of flavors and textures. Each component has its purpose, from the tender pasta providing the perfect base, to the broccoli adding a fresh crunch and color, and the cheeses delivering that dreamy creaminess we all love.
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a healthy, crisp contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium): Creates a savory foundation for the sauce to build on.
- 1 cup light cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent without being too heavy.
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth to the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Brings savory warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides that classic cheesy bite with a bit of tang.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that elevates the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): To balance all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): For a gentle kick and aroma.
How to Make Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large saucepan filled with salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means tender but still firm to the bite. For the last four minutes of cooking, toss in the chopped broccoli right into the boiling water. This way, the broccoli steams just enough to stay bright and crisp. Once time’s up, drain them together—but don’t rinse, because the pasta water helps the sauce cling later. Set them aside and get ready for the magic of the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Using the same saucepan (saving you on dishes!), whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking until it thickens and just starts to bubble, turning into a silky, luscious sauce that’s ready to envelop your pasta and broccoli.
Step 3: Combine
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. The cheeses melt into the sauce, transforming it into a creamy, cheesy dream. Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the saucepan and toss everything carefully to coat each piece evenly. Adjust with salt and pepper to your liking and serve immediately for the best creamy and fresh experience.
How to Serve Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra parmesan can add a lovely pop of color and flavor. For a little texture contrast, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes provide a delightful surprise. Don’t forget a drizzle of olive oil if you want a bit more richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe with a crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance its richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls complement the cheesy sauce delightfully, perfect for mopping up every last bit from your plate. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato bruschetta can also add a fresh counterpoint to this indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual shallow bowls or colorful pasta plates to highlight its vibrant broccoli and cheesy sauce. For a fun twist, try baking the pasta and broccoli in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly. Or, for more casual occasions, stuff this mixture into a warm pita or wrap for a creamy, handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
While cream-based pasta dishes can sometimes change texture when frozen, you can still freeze this recipe if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that luscious creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid overheating to prevent separation of cheese and cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini work wonderfully for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even shells will also pair beautifully with the creamy and cheesy sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, keeping the dish just as flavorful and creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is perfectly tender.
What type of cheese is best for the sauce?
The combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan creates a rich, balanced cheese flavor that melts smoothly. You can experiment with gouda, fontina, or mozzarella if you want different texture or taste profiles, but cheddar and parmesan remain classics here.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in cold broth before simmering. For a thinner sauce, simply increase the amount of chicken broth or cream. Adjust to your preferred consistency while cooking and make sure to stir constantly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a trustworthy, delicious creamy pasta recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your go-to. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a smooth sauce thickened with cornstarch and flavored with onion powder and garlic salt.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini, approx 3 cups dry)
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium)
- 1 cup light cream
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water with the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together, but do not rinse them. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch (all 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon), onion powder, and garlic salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking continuously. Continue whisking as it reaches a boil and thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy cheese sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the saucepan and mix well to coat evenly with the sauce. Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta and broccoli after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better.
- Use medium pasta shapes like penne or rotini as their curves hold the sauce well.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it to preferred consistency.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use vegetarian cheeses.
- Make sure to whisk continuously when heating the sauce to avoid lumps from cornstarch.
