If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, this Creamy and Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances tender pasta and vibrant green broccoli enveloped in a rich, luscious cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers comforting creaminess and sharp cheesy goodness, making this recipe a quick yet impressive meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing a vital role in building incredible flavor, texture, and color. From the al dente pasta to the bright green broccoli, every element enhances the dish’s creamy and cheesy character.
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini): Perfect shapes to hold onto the creamy sauce for every bite.
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped: Adds a burst of green freshness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium): Provides a savory base, elevating the sauce’s depth.
- 1 cup light cream: Creates the silky texture that makes this pasta luxuriously creamy.
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: The secret to thickening the sauce just right without lumps.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle flavor enhancer that brings warmth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a gentle garlicky kick and seasoning in one.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Delivers that tangy, bold cheesy punch everyone loves.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Brings nutty, salty complexity that rounds out the cheese flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Gives a gentle, fragrant heat to lift the dish.
How to Make Creamy and Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil—this is where the magic begins. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture you love. In the last four minutes, toss in the chopped broccoli so it cooks gently with the pasta, retaining its bright green color and just the right crunch. Once done, drain but skip rinsing; the pasta and broccoli will cling better to our creamy sauce this way.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Using the same saucepan saves time and flavor. Whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt over medium heat. Keep whisking as this mixture gently heats until it simmers and thickens into a silky, luscious sauce. This step is crucial because the sauce’s texture sets this recipe apart, giving that dreamy creaminess we’re all here for.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese. Watch the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety coating for every piece of pasta and broccoli. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back in, carefully folding everything together so the sauce envelops each component. Season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready for a truly comforting meal.
How to Serve Creamy and Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness or gentle heat. For a little extra texture, toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts work beautifully, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. A light roasted vegetable medley can also balance the richness of the pasta while providing additional nutrients and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls rather than deep plates to showcase the broccoli and cheese sauce beautifully. You can also bake this creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta recipe topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, bubbly crust if you want to impress guests with a gratin-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken in the fridge, but a splash of milk or cream stirred in while reheating can bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes fairly well, although the texture of broccoli might soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating your creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta recipe, do so slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to bring back its smooth texture. Adding a little extra cream or broth helps loosen the sauce and refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and parmesan create the classic flavor profile for this recipe, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or gouda for smokiness. Just remember to choose cheeses that melt well to keep the sauce creamy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing the savory depth of the sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cornstarch and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep this creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta recipe completely safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Medium pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because their curves and tubes trap the cheese sauce, ensuring each bite is full of creamy goodness.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in cold broth before heating. For a thinner sauce, increase the broth or cream slightly. Adjust gradually for the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy and Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe truly feels like comfort in a bowl and is wonderfully easy to make, even on a hectic day. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles and warmth around the table, perfectly blending simple ingredients into something special. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a cherished staple in your own home kitchen.
Print
Creamy and 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 recipe combines tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a luscious cheddar and parmesan sauce. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture 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 with the pasta. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli but do not rinse to retain starch for the sauce. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly until it boils and thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce, stirring gently to evenly coat everything. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta and broccoli after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bold, creamy flavor, and don’t skip the parmesan for depth.
- If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to adjust.
- Vegetarian substitute: use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or crispy bacon pieces when combining.
