Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
If you dream in pasta and crave something comfortingly cheesy but crave a touch of green, look no further than Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta. This is the kind of dish that lures you in with its velvety sauce, keeps you coming back spoonful after spoonful with its pops of tender broccoli, and easily wins over even those skeptical of vegetables. Every bite brings together the cozy satisfaction of melted cheese, the freshness of vibrant broccoli, and a dreamy creaminess that feels totally decadent but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just want a bowl of pure happiness all to yourself, this is a pasta you’ll crave on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta such a winner is its beautiful balance of simple, fresh ingredients—each one earning its place for flavor or texture. You might already have most of these on hand, and I promise every addition takes the creamy, cheesy magic to the next level!
- Dry spaghetti or pasta shells (142 g): Both shapes work perfectly—spaghetti gives long, swoon-worthy twirls; shells scoop up the creamy sauce for the ultimate cheese pockets.
- Olive oil (1 tsp): This is your aromatic base—just a hint helps the onion and garlic bloom.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, about 273 g): The ultimate green partner! Broccoli brings color, bite, and a subtle earthy flavor that holds its own in the sauce.
- Medium onion (1, 110 g): Adds gentle sweetness and the backbone to every great pan sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves): For irresistible, savory depth—don’t skip it!
- Low-sodium vegetable broth (¼ cup): This mingles with the cheese, creating that luscious silky sauce without being too heavy.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): The secret to decadent creaminess—a little goes a long way for rich texture and tang.
- Honey (¼ tsp): Just a touch wakes up flavor and balances all the savory notes.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Essential for cutting richness and keeping things bright!
- Salt & pepper (a dash of each): They’re tiny, but they unlock every other flavor in the pot.
- Crushed red-pepper flakes (½ tsp): For that little hit of heat—use as much or as little as you like.
- Butter (2–3 Tbsp, optional): Amp up the flavor and gloss if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Half-and-half (1¼ cup): Adds lush creaminess and helps everything melt together seamlessly.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (⅓ cup): The finishing touch for that unmistakably savory, cheesy hit—and a perfect garnish.
How to Make Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your spaghetti or shells to a perfect al dente. Keep a close eye here—you want the pasta to still have a little bite, because it’ll soak up creamy sauce later. Remember to set aside about a cup of the pasta cooking water; you’ll thank yourself when you’re swirling up that glossy sauce in a few minutes!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil (or butter, if you’re feeling extra!) in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and give them a quick one-minute sauté just until fragrant and translucent. Next, add the broccoli florets and stir them around so they get coated and start to soften—about 5 minutes is perfect. The broccoli should turn bright green and just-tender, not mushy.
Step 3: Build the Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Sauce
Now it gets exciting! Drop in your cream cheese and stir patiently until it’s melted into the pan, making a rich base. Pour in the vegetable broth (or half-and-half for extra decadence) and keep stirring until you’ve got a silky, cohesive sauce. Don’t worry if it looks a little loose at first—it will thicken up when you add in the pasta and cheese!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the broccoli sauce. Use some of the reserved hot pasta water, a spoonful at a time, to help the sauce reach your idea of creaminess. Stir everything together until all those noodles are dressed in dreamy, cheesy goodness. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce hug every bite!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, honey, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and those feisty red-pepper flakes. Mix gently—the sauce will thicken a little as it cools and becomes irresistibly glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like, then serve the Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta straight away for maximum comfort and wow factor.
How to Serve Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Garnishes
A generous dusting of fresh-grated Parmesan gives the whole dish an inviting, melty finish. For a pop of color and herbal boost, sprinkle with chopped parsley or a little lemon zest. If you love a little heat, another pinch of red-pepper flakes right before serving is highly recommended!
Side Dishes
Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is plenty satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp mixed salads or a garlicky piece of toasted baguette for dunking. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter of roasted veggies, simple grilled chicken, or your favorite protein makes this pasta a centerpiece-worthy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with extra broccoli florets or roasted cherry tomatoes on top for added beauty. For a fun twist, spoon the pasta into individual ramekins, scatter with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, make it picnic-portable by chilling and serving as a creamy, cheesy pasta salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is just as crave-worthy the next day for lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. For best texture, freeze for up to 1 month. Just know the sauce may thicken when thawed, so you might want to stir in an extra splash of milk or half-and-half when reheating.
Reheating
For leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a touch of milk or pasta water to bring back its signature sauciness. Stir well and heat through just until hot—avoid overcooking, so the broccoli stays lively and the cheese sauce remains velvety.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw, drain, and pat dry your frozen broccoli before adding to the pan. It works beautifully, but fresh broccoli tends to stay a bit more vibrant and crisp-tender in the final dish.
What kind of pasta works best for Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta?
Spaghetti and shells are both stellar options, but any pasta shape you love will work. Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette are perfect for capturing every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double check that your broth and dairy ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so everyone can enjoy Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta.
How can I make the sauce even richer?
If you want a bit more indulgence, use butter instead of olive oil, swap all or some of the vegetable broth for half-and-half, or add a little extra cream cheese. A sprinkle of mozzarella mixed in with the Parmesan also amps up the gooey factor!
Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Sliced chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make great additions. Simply cook them separately and toss into the pan with the sauce and pasta for a truly hearty, all-in-one meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly comforting about a bowl of Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta—it’s the kind of food that guarantees smiles all around. The next time you want a quick, satisfying dinner or need a cozy dish to share, give this recipe a try. I’m sure it’ll claim a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
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Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta that’s bursting with flavors. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Dry Pasta:
142g dry spaghetti or pasta shells
Vegetables:
1 tsp olive oil, 3 cups broccoli florets (about 273g), 1 medium onion (110g), 2 cloves garlic
Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, dash salt, dash pepper, 1/2 tsp crushed red-pepper flakes, optionally 2-3 Tbsp butter, 1 1/4 cup half-and-half, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta per package until al dente.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic, then add broccoli and cook until softened.
- Make Sauce: Add cream cheese and broth, stirring until smooth. Add half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Combine: Add pasta to sauce, adjusting creaminess with pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Stir in lemon juice, honey, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red-pepper flakes. Serve garnished with Parmesan.
Notes
- You can customize with herbs or additional vegetables.
- For a richer sauce, use milk or half-and-half instead of vegetable broth.
- Substitute GF pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 358g
- Calories: 476
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 453mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
