Description
Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a rich, comforting dish with tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy weeknight meal is kid-friendly, customizable, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy days!
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta & Broccoli:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Additional:
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the boiling water.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Combine & Serve
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the cheese sauce.
- Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Prevent Grainy Cheese Sauce: Use freshly shredded cheese and avoid overheating.
- Thicker Sauce: Reduce milk slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the cheese sauce separately and store for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta , comfort food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: broccoli pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food recipe