Name: Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that marries the rich, comforting flavors of cheese and cream with the bright, fresh crunch of broccoli. It’s a recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel gourmet, perfect for families looking for a quick yet indulgent meal. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—you can enjoy it as a hearty main course or as a side to complement grilled meats. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I want something that feels special without a lot of fuss.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta deserves a spot on your table. For starters, it strikes a wonderful balance between creamy and nutritious, making any dinner a bit more wholesome. The dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—using just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

"This pasta has become a family favorite! My kids love the cheesy goodness, and I love that they’re eating their broccoli!" – A happy home cook.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a hearty meal for the whole family, this dish adapts beautifully. It’s also highly kid-approved, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting feast that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. You’ll boil your pasta, sauté your veggies, and create a luscious cheese sauce—all in one pot! With minimal cleanup and easy steps, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need

To make this delicious recipe, you’ll gather the following ingredients:

8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Feel free to substitute the pasta shape or cheese type to suit your preference or what’s available in your pantry.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s dive into the cooking process that will lead to your creamy, cheesy masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender but still vibrant in color.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheesy broccoli sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every piece.
Serve: Enjoy your pasta hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Serving

When it comes to serving Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta, simplicity is key. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Garnish: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flake can add a nice touch of flavor.
Add Protein: Consider serving your pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
Pair with Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the pasta.
Bread on the Side: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.

Best Way to Store Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dish, though creamy sauces may change texture slightly when thawed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Pro Chef Tips

Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina for a unique flavor profile.
Cook Broccoli Just Right: Avoid overcooking the broccoli; you want it to retain some crunch. Blanching it briefly before adding to the sauce can help.
Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining! If your sauce needs thinning, this starchy water works wonders.

Creative Twists

Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations to try:

Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a full meal.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick or sauté onions with the garlic for added flavor.
Creamy Alternatives: Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt or cashew cream to lighten the dish.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish.

FAQ

How long does it take to make Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta?

This recipe typically takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it with a bit of cream to keep the sauce creamy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version, although the texture may slightly differ.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep, just be cautious about the freshness of the broccoli and cheese flavor over time.

Embrace the deliciousness of Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta tonight—it’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese and cream with fresh broccoli, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheesy broccoli sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes or serve with grilled chicken or crispy bacon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pasta, creamy, broccoli, cheese, quick dinner, weeknight meal, vegetarian