If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit special, Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is your new go-to! This dish wraps tender broccoli and your favorite pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s as velvety as it is satisfying — making it a family hit that sneaks in extra veggies without anyone batting an eye. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for two, hearty leftovers for lunch, or simply a way to turn humble ingredients into something crave-worthy, this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta will absolutely deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything for this recipe is probably already waiting in your kitchen, and each ingredient plays a starring role. The cheeses create that irresistible creamy sauce, pasta provides the satisfying bite, and broccoli brings vibrant color and fresh flavor for a dish you’ll make on repeat.
- Pasta (12 oz): Choose penne or fusilli—these short shapes capture all the cheesy goodness!
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh or frozen, they add bright flavor and gorgeous green appeal.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives your sauce a rich, silky base and lovely flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds savory depth and irresistible aroma to the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken your sauce and keep it luxuriously smooth.
- Milk (2 cups): Creates the creamy foundation—use whole milk for extra richness if you’d like.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every cheesy, savory note.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle kick to balance the richness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A pinch brings a surprising warmth that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star of the sauce, perfectly melty and comforting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty punch for delicious complexity.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup): The secret to the creamiest, dreamiest sauce you’ll ever make!
How to Make Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook following the package directions. Just before your pasta is finished, toss in the broccoli florets for the last 3 to 4 minutes; this timing keeps them vibrant and tender without turning mushy. Once done, drain them together and set aside—the magic starts in the next step!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as it sizzles, add the minced garlic. Stir it around just long enough to release its incredible fragrance—about a minute. It’s a small step, but trust me, this is where big flavor begins for your Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta.
Step 3: Make a Luscious Roux
Sprinkle the flour over your garlicky butter. Whisk constantly for a minute so the flour loses its raw taste but doesn’t burn. You’re creating a roux here, which is chef code for a sauce that turns out smooth, creamy, and never lumpy!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in your milk while whisking nonstop. This step is key to making your sauce perfectly luscious. As you stir, it’ll start to thicken in about 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy—each adds layers of flavor that make this dish memorable.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Trio
Reduce the heat, then pile in the cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Keep stirring as the cheeses melt into a dreamy, cohesive sauce. The cheddar adds sharpness, Parmesan gives depth, and the cream cheese brings ultra-smooth creaminess. You’re almost ready to unite everything into the best Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta yet!
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Drop your drained pasta and broccoli into the sauce. Give it all a generous toss or stir so every piece is beautifully coated. Serve it up warm, with extra cheese sprinkled on top if you love things extra cheesy—who doesn’t?
How to Serve Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, shower your Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta with extra shredded cheddar, a few flakes of red pepper, or a snip of fresh parsley. It not only looks gorgeous but brightens every bite with a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal on its own, but sides can make it feel truly special. Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, garlicky breadsticks, or roasted tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness alongside the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform weeknight dinner into a dinner party by spooning the pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly and golden. Or pile it high in a large serving bowl and sprinkle generously with Parmesan—the ultimate family-style presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta, pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner later in the week.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge (some texture changes might occur, but it will still taste wonderful!)
Reheating
For the creamiest leftovers, reheat your pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently and take care not to overheat, so the sauce stays velvety and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic, feel free to swap in mozzarella for extra stretch or Gruyère for nutty complexity—just keep the proportions the same for a creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simple swaps make it easy: use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce—the rest stays exactly as delicious.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well—just thaw and drain it thoroughly before tossing into the pot with the pasta. No need to miss out on your veggies during the winter months!
What protein can I add to make it more filling?
Diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon make fantastic additions for extra heft, but you can also toss in some white beans or tofu for a vegetarian boost.
Is there a way to make Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta lighter?
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and cheeses, and consider leaving out the cream cheese. You’ll still get tons of flavor without losing the essence of the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a favorite in my kitchen: it’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile with every forkful. I can’t wait for you to try it—don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested dinner too!
Print
Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy pasta dish with this recipe for Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender pasta with vibrant broccoli in a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta, and add broccoli for the last few minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Simmer until thickened, then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Toss drained pasta and broccoli in the cheese sauce until coated. Serve warm, topped with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain before adding.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor.
- Enhance with cooked chicken or bacon for added protein.
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