If you are searching for a comforting, delicious dish that combines the vibrant freshness of green vegetables with the rich, melty goodness of cheese, this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It brings together tender pasta, perfectly sautéed broccoli, and a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that’s packed with flavor and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish hits all the right notes in taste, texture, and ease, making it a true crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe. From the tender pasta base to the fresh green broccoli and the creamy, flavorful cheese sauce, each item is carefully chosen to elevate this dish.
- Pasta (12 oz): Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work beautifully to hold onto the cheese sauce and add satisfying bite.
- Water (4 cups) and Salt (1 tsp): Needed for boiling the pasta perfectly al dente and seasoning it just right.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Fresh and chopped into bite-sized pieces, they add vibrant color and a healthy crunch.
- Olive oil (1 tsp): Used for sautéing broccoli and garlic, enhancing their flavor and silkiness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Offers a fragrant base that perfectly complements the broccoli and cheese sauce.
- Salt (1/4 tsp for broccoli): Light seasoning to bring out the broccoli’s natural sweetness.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Forms the rich start to your cheese sauce, adding smoothness and depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Creates a roux that thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- Milk (2 cups, whole milk recommended): For a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, it’s the star of the cheese sauce; a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan works well too.
- Mustard powder (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle tang that enhances the flavor complexity.
- Salt (1/2 tsp), black pepper (1/4 tsp), paprika (1/4 tsp): Balanced seasonings to bring warmth, a touch of heat, and smokiness into the sauce.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding salt to season it perfectly. Toss in your choice of pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a bit of a bite. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking together and drain well once done, reserving half a cup of that pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Heat olive oil gently in a skillet over medium heat and introduce the minced garlic, letting it sizzle until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli florets along with a pinch of salt to bring out their natural sweetness. Sauté the broccoli just until it’s tender yet still vibrant and full of life—this keeps a fresh crunch and beautiful green color. Remove from the heat and set aside for later.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
The magic begins here. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux, cooking it for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly; this takes patience but prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce. Let it thicken gently before mixing in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra depth and a subtle smoky hint. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until the sauce is glossy, smooth, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Introduce your perfectly cooked pasta to the creamy cheese sauce, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly. Gently fold in the sautéed broccoli so every bite is balanced with cheesy richness and a fresh vegetable bite. If the sauce feels too thick, add in a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen and create a velvety texture. Taste and tweak any seasonings until it feels just right for your palate.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed warm right out of the pan. Garnish generously with extra shredded cheese, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even toasted breadcrumbs to add a delightful crunch. This dish is creamy, comforting, and vibrant all at once—it’s a true joy to serve and savor.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can take your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe to a whole new level. Try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts introduce a lovely crunchy contrast that makes each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes. A crisp mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad can provide refreshing acidity to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes a comforting, indulgent addition perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can elevate this dish visually and experientially by serving it in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets, which keep the pasta warm and inviting during your meal. For casual nights, plate it family-style in a large, colorful bowl with a scattering of herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Even stuffing the mixture into roasted bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes can make for fun presentation and added flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese sauce from drying out. Before sealing, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead for a busy day, freezing is certainly possible. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing, but the overall flavors will remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
When reheating your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe, the best approach is gentle warming to keep the sauce creamy without scrambling the cheese. Use a stovetop pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it heats. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid hot spots and dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides great flavor and meltiness, you can experiment with mozzarella for creaminess, Parmesan for sharpness, or even Gouda or Gruyere for a unique twist. Combining cheeses adds extra depth and richness.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening, and use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make the broccoli more tender if I prefer it softer?
If you prefer softer broccoli, try steaming it before sautéing or increase the sautéing time slightly until it reaches your desired tenderness. Just be careful not to overcook, or it will lose its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Can I add protein to this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe?
Definitely. Adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms can make this dish heartier and more filling. Simply toss them in during the final step when combining the pasta with the sauce and broccoli.
What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water, milk, or even a bit of broth until it loosens to your preferred consistency. This also helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta and broccoli.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe inspires you to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Its blend of fresh greens and a rich, velvety cheese sauce is just the kind of dish that makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to for family dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a quick and creamy comfort dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich homemade cheese sauce with sautéed garlic broccoli. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a family-friendly meal that balances cheesy indulgence with nutritious broccoli for a delightful weeknight dinner.
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
- Use whole milk for a creamier cheese sauce; low-fat milk can make the sauce thinner.
- Mustard powder is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli—it should remain slightly crisp and vibrant.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce if needed.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas for variety.
