Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It’s a simple one-pot or quick-skillet meal that comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy nights in. This dish is comforting, filling, and bursting with cheesy goodness and fresh green flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, creamy, and cheesy with every bite
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Includes a full serving of veggies
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
• One-pot or minimal dishes for easy cleanup
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free
• Customizable with different cheeses or pasta shapes
• Great as a main dish or side
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells work great)
• Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Onion powder or mustard powder (optional for flavor boost)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In the last 23 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot. Cook until just tender.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
4. In the same pot or a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 12 minutes to form a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
7. Stir in cheddar cheese (and parmesan if using) until fully melted and creamy.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and optional onion or mustard powder.
9. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back to the sauce. Toss until fully coated.
10. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Total time: approximately 25 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version
• Try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or fontina
• Add spinach or peas for extra greens
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
• Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for even more richness

storage/reheating

Let cool before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month (note: sauce may separate slightly when thawed)
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just add it directly to the boiling pasta water and cook until tender.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can mix in other cheeses for variety.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just ensure your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes—use plant-based butter, milk, and vegan cheese alternatives.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Add a spoonful of cream cheese or use a little heavy cream with the milk.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well—just store it in the fridge and add a splash of milk when reheating.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best to hold the sauce.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir constantly until smooth.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes—transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 1520 minutes.

Is this a good meal prep recipe?

Absolutely. It stores well and makes for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Conclusion

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, flavorful, satisfying, and quick to whip up. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it’s a simple way to enjoy veggies and cheese in one irresistible bowl. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or when you need a little food hug.

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