If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce, this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a subtle hint of smokiness and freshness from the broccoli that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers amazing flavor without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from the al dente pasta that forms the base, to the fresh broccoli that adds color and texture, and the creamy cheese sauce that brings it all together with silky richness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt: For cooking pasta to the right consistency.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Chop into bite-sized pieces to keep a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps sauté the broccoli while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the broccoli with savory aroma and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the broccoli without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the luscious base for the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended): Ensures the sauce is rich and silky smooth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella and Parmesan): Melts beautifully and delivers that classic cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional): Boosts the sauce’s depth with a gentle tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to brighten the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and your chosen pasta to the pot. Cooking it al dente is key — that slight firmness to the bite makes the dish pleasantly textured. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, and once done, save half a cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. This reserved water will come in handy to adjust your sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant — this step really brings out its essence. Add the broccoli florets and sprinkle in a pinch of salt to season. Sauté until the broccoli is just tender but still retains its bright green color and a slight crunch. This little bit of texture keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux, cooking for about a minute without letting it brown. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens nicely—patience here yields an irresistibly creamy base. Add the mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, then reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into a velvety sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now for the best part: combine the cooked pasta with your rich cheese sauce. Stir in the sautéed broccoli, making sure every bite has both cheesy goodness and veggie freshness. If the sauce feels a little too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up—this trick ensures perfect creaminess without being heavy. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe while it’s warm and inviting. Garnish with extra shredded cheese if you like a cheesier hit, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat. Toasted breadcrumbs on top add a delightful crunch, making the dish feel extra special. Serve immediately and savor every mouthful of this luscious, comforting classic!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese adds that salty punch, while crushed chili flakes or cracked black pepper bring subtle heat, enhancing the overall experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the richness. Consider a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze. A side of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up any leftover cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make mealtime more fun, serve the pasta in individual ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs and broiled for a minute or two to create a golden crust. Alternatively, layer the broccoli cheese pasta in a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake it for a comforting casserole twist. These creative touches add variety while showcasing your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the broccoli from getting too soft, store the pasta and broccoli cheese sauce together but consider reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but the broccoli may lose some of its crispness after thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta and cheese sauce without the broccoli, then add freshly sautéed broccoli when reheating. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water helps to restore creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain it well before sautéing to avoid excess water in your dish. Cooking times might be a little shorter since it cooks faster than fresh florets.
What type of cheese works best for this pasta?
Cheddar is classic and melts well, providing that sharp, creamy flavor we love. Mixing it with mozzarella can add stretchy texture, while Parmesan brings a nutty, salty touch. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian cheese. It contains no meat and is packed with nutritious broccoli and wholesome ingredients.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The cooking process and flavors remain just as wonderful without the gluten.
How can I make the cheese sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, cook it a little longer to reduce or add a touch more flour at the start. To thin it, gradually add reserved pasta water or extra milk while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a dish like this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe that combines simple ingredients into something spectacularly comforting. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you give it a try and make it one of your cherished recipes to return to again and again!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe combines tender pasta, vibrant sautéed broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (adds a slight smokiness)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add salt and pasta. Let it cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the chopped broccoli and season with salt. Stir and cook until the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. Stir in the sautéed broccoli, ensuring even distribution. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Using whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with lower-fat milk if desired.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to swap broccoli with other veggies like cauliflower or spinach according to your preference.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
