Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe: A Twist on Comfort Food

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy broccoli and cheese pasta that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Tender pasta spirals dance with vibrant green florets in a luscious, velvety sauce.

Sharp cheddar melts into every crevice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Crisp broccoli adds a delightful crunch against the smooth, rich backdrop of cheesy goodness.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s both effortless and irresistibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 561 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Broccoli And Cheese Pasta

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose short shapes like penne or rotini for better sauce coating.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant green nutrition and crisp texture, select fresh, bright green florets without yellow spots.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for sauce, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, aromatic flavor, freshly minced garlic provides more intense taste.
• Broth: Enhances depth of sauce, low-sodium allows better seasoning flexibility.
• Half-and-Half: Brings creamy consistency, room temperature prevents sauce separation.

• Paprika: Offers subtle warmth and color, sweet variety works best.
• Mustard Powder: Provides tangy undertone, enhances cheese flavor complexity.
• Oregano: Introduces herbaceous note, dried herbs work perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing overall taste, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, bold flavor, aged varieties provide more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty dimension, freshly grated recommended.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish, fresh squeezed preferred over bottled.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh garnish and color, finely chopped for best presentation.

Kitchen Gear For Broccoli And Cheese Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and broccoli, with enough space to cook both ingredients together.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta, mixing sauce, and preventing sticking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and broccoli after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure broth, half-and-half, and pasta water accurately.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan and cheddar cheese for melting.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop garlic and chop fresh parsley for garnish.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How To Make Broccoli And Cheese Pasta

• Launch the Boiling Bath

Fill a spacious pot with water and sprinkle salt. Bring to a rolling boil and toss in pasta. Two minutes before pasta reaches perfect tenderness, introduce broccoli florets. Scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining everything.

• Craft the Creamy Foundation

In the same pot, transform butter into liquid gold over medium warmth. Tumble in minced garlic and let it dance until aromatic. Pour broth and half-and-half, creating a smooth canvas. Sprinkle paprika, mustard powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow mixture to bubble gently.

• Create Cheesy Magic

Reunite pasta and broccoli with the simmering liquid. Fold in cheddar and Parmesan until they melt into a silky embrace. If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water. Brighten with a squeeze of lemon juice and taste-test for seasoning perfection.

• Present Your Masterpiece

Shower with fresh parsley and serve piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Tips For Better Broccoli And Cheese Pasta

• Creamy Sauce Secret: For an ultra-smooth sauce, grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits for added protein and extra flavor depth.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach to create delightful flavor variations and keep the dish exciting.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free certified to make this recipe completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the dish in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore creamy consistency.

How To Plate Broccoli And Cheese Pasta

• Family-Style Comfort Platter: Serve this creamy pasta in a large ceramic dish for a cozy, inviting family dinner that encourages sharing and seconds.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform the dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Fresh and Bright Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, add a squeeze of fresh lemon, or garnish with toasted pine nuts for a burst of freshness and crunch that elevates the classic pasta.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that balances the rich, cheesy pasta perfectly.

Keep Broccoli And Cheese Pasta Warm Or Stored

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Refrigerate portions in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow pasta to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain sauce consistency. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Store individual servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creamy texture.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra broth or milk to revive the sauce's smoothness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent cheese separation.

Creamy Broccoli And Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli and cheese pasta brings comfort to weeknight dinners with its rich, satisfying flavors. Parmesan and sharp cheddar meld perfectly with tender broccoli florets, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) pasta shells
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with generously salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Immerse pasta and cook per package guidelines, adding broccoli florets two minutes before pasta reaches optimal tenderness.
2. Sauce Foundation: Drain pasta and broccoli, preserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid. Return pot to stovetop and melt butter, introducing minced garlic until its aroma becomes intensely fragrant.
3. Liquid Harmony: Pour broth and half-and-half into the pot, whisking thoroughly. Incorporate paprika, mustard powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Cheese Integration: Reintroduce pasta and broccoli to the sauce, gradually folding in cheddar and Parmesan until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. If sauce seems thick, incrementally add reserved pasta water.
5. Final Refinement: Enhance the dish with a bright splash of lemon juice, adjusting seasonings to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a luxurious, comforting pasta experience.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky, smooth texture without losing flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Incorporate cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth and creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Garlic Sensitivity Hack: Reduce garlic intensity for sensitive palates by sautéing briefly and using milder varieties like roasted or blanched garlic.
• Dietary Adaptation Trick: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese for vegan/lactose-intolerant versions while maintaining rich, comforting flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 561
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg