If you’re looking for a comforting meal that comes together in a flash, this Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe is an absolute gem. It perfectly balances tender pasta and vibrant broccoli with a luscious, cheesy sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. This dish is a wonderful way to bring color, creaminess, and a touch of sharp cheese tang to your dinner table in just about 25 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual meal with friends, the harmonious flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role by adding texture, creaminess, or that hit of savory flavor that makes this pasta dish irresistible.
- 8 ounces medium pasta: Penne or rotini work best as their shapes hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, making the dish both tasty and nutritious.
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium): Gives depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup light cream: Brings richness and smoothness while keeping the sauce light enough to enjoy.
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This secret ingredient thickens the sauce perfectly for a velvety finish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes that enhance the overall taste without needing fresh onions.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Combines garlicky goodness with a pinch of salt, boosting flavor efficiently.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides a bold, cheesy punch that defines this creamy delight.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Offers a nutty, savory edge that’s unmistakable in any cheese sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances the dish and ties all flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle warmth to round out the creamy, cheesy profile.
How to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large saucepan filled with salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it until al dente following the package instructions—this means the pasta is tender but still has a bite. To save time and keep flavors fresh, toss the chopped broccoli into the boiling water during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli well, but avoid rinsing so the sauce adheres better later.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same saucepan, combine the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Whisk the mixture together so the cornstarch dissolves completely. Place the pan over medium heat and gently bring it to a simmer, whisking constantly. As the mixture heats, it will thicken to a creamy consistency—once it comes to a boil, your sauce is ready for the next step.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. The residual heat will melt the cheese evenly into the sauce, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the pan and toss everything together until every piece is coated beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, and don’t forget to give it a final taste before plating.
How to Serve Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of green that complements both the flavor and appearance. For an extra burst of texture, consider crushed toasted walnuts or a light dusting of extra parmesan cheese.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad featuring lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy sauce and making the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try preparing individual portions in ramekins and broil the top for 2-3 minutes to create a bubbly, golden crust. This makes for a beautiful presentation that elevates this simple dish into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce holds up well chilled and can be safely enjoyed within 2-3 days after cooking.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this creamy pasta, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. To maintain texture, cool the dish thoroughly before freezing in a sealed container. Note that broccoli might soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts to avoid breaking the sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if the pasta seems dry to bring back its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time. Just add it to the pasta water during the final minutes of cooking as you would fresh broccoli.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the sauce flavorful and make it entirely vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, and swap regular broth for vegetable-based broth. The consistency might vary slightly but will still deliver great flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are my favorites since their shapes capture the sauce well. However, feel free to experiment with shells, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in cream or broth before heating. To thin it out, simply stir in extra cream or broth a tablespoon at a time until you find your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe is a true weeknight winner that brings joy with every bite. Its effortless preparation and irresistible flavors make it my go-to when I want something cozy yet fresh. I encourage you to give it a try soon and enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Quick Broccoli Pasta: Creamy & Cheesy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and creamy broccoli pasta recipe that combines tender pasta and broccoli with a luscious, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and parmesan. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces medium pasta (such as 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
Cheese and Seasoning
- 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 package directions until al dente. Add the chopped broccoli to the boiling pasta water during the last 4 minutes of cooking to blanch it. Drain the pasta and broccoli together well, but do not rinse. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same saucepan, combine the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch (2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon), onion powder, and garlic salt. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue whisking while it heats until it boils and thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat once the sauce has thickened. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
- You can substitute light cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter or richer sauce respectively.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch by half a teaspoon if needed.
