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
Scale
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.
