If you love comforting dishes that blend fresh green veggies with luscious, cheesy goodness, then this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. It brings together perfectly cooked pasta and tender broccoli in a dreamy sauce that’s rich, smooth, and bursting with sharp cheddar and parmesan flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or craving something cozy yet fresh, this recipe delivers every time with its perfect balance of texture, taste, and color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to contribute vibrant flavors and creamy texture without fuss. From the hearty pasta to the verdant broccoli and the decadent blend of cheeses, every element plays an essential role.
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully and ensure every bite is coated just right.
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and keeps the dish vibrant and nutritious.
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium): Builds depth in the sauce with savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1 cup light cream: Creates that silky, luscious base that makes the sauce so irresistibly creamy.
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps the sauce achieve that perfect coating consistency.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle aromatic notes that enhance the savory profile effortlessly.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses subtle garlicky goodness with a touch of seasoning.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings a satisfying, bold cheesy punch that’s the heart of this dish.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Offers a nutty, salty finish that elevates the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Four minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the chopped broccoli to gently steam it until tender yet still crisp. Once ready, drain them together without rinsing; keeping the pasta slightly coated with the cooking water helps the sauce cling better later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Use the same saucepan to save cleanup and infuse flavor. Whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently until it thickens and just comes to a boil. The sauce should be smooth and glossy, ready for the irresistible cheese addition.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely into a velvety sauce. Then fold the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pan, tossing everything together to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, giving a final flavor lift before plating.
How to Serve Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the creamy, cheesy richness. For an extra indulgent touch, a light dusting of extra parmesan over the top never goes astray.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a parmesan crisp or toasted pine nuts for crunch. Another fun idea is layering it in a baking dish with extra cheese on top, then broiling until bubbly and golden brown for an irresistible baked version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The broccoli and pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so the texture will be a little firmer but still delicious.
Freezing
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe can be frozen, though the broccoli texture might soften after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking, or warm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and parmesan create a classic flavor combo, mixing in mozzarella, gouda, or fontina can add a wonderful twist. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best sauce texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll maintain the rich sauce flavor without any meat products. This keeps it fully satisfying for vegetarians.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon pieces make excellent additions if you want to boost the protein and make the meal heartier. Add them when combining the pasta and sauce.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try substituting the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the sauce texture and flavor will differ but can still be delicious.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their grooves and tubes scoop up the creamy sauce beautifully, delivering flavor in every mouthful. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites like fusilli or farfalle.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is truly a joyful dish to make and share. It brings together simplicity and indulgence in every bite, delivering vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and fall in love with broccoli pasta like never before!
Print
Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta is a comforting, quick, and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines tender pasta and broccoli with a rich sauce made from chicken broth, light cream, and sharp cheeses for a flavorful and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
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
- 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 the package directions until al dente. In the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, but do not rinse them. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch (both tablespoons and teaspoon), onion powder, and garlic salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking continuously until it boils and thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce and toss well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adding the broccoli in the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures they remain tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Light cream can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter option.
