Creamy Broccoli Pasta

A comforting pasta dish combining tender noodles with a velvety cheese sauce and fresh broccoli florets. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli, creating a satisfying meal that brings together classic comfort food with wholesome vegetables. Each bite delivers rich cheese flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of broccoli, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for casual family dinners.

This recipe came together one evening when I needed a quick dinner that would please both adults and kids. After testing different cheese combinations and cooking methods, this version became our go-to for its perfect balance of flavor and ease. Even picky eaters clean their plates, asking for seconds of the broccoli they usually avoid.

Key Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli: Choose bright green heads with tight florets and firm stems for the best texture and nutrition
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky base for the cheese sauce that coats every bite
• Cheese blend: Fresh mozzarella provides the melt while parmesan adds deep savory notes

Cooking Instructions

Prep Work:

Set out all ingredients measured and ready. Have a large skillet and pasta pot available.

Start the Base:

Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium heat until butter melts.

Cook Aromatics:

Add diced onion, cook 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly golden.

Add Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and cook one minute until fragrant.

Cook Broccoli:

Add broccoli florets, cook 5 minutes until bright green.

Make Sauce:

Pour in cream, bring to gentle simmer.

Add Cheese:

Reduce heat, stir in mozzarella until melted.

Season:

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cook Pasta:

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

Save Water:

Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Combine:

Toss pasta with sauce in skillet.

Perfect Texture:

Add pasta water as needed for ideal consistency.

Finish:

Stir in parmesan off heat.

Serve:

Let rest briefly, garnish with herbs.

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A skeptical friend tried this recipe during an casual dinner and was amazed at how the creamy cheese sauce transformed simple broccoli into something her whole family enjoyed. She now makes it regularly for her own family meals.

Nutrition Benefits

Each serving provides essential nutrients from the broccoli including vitamins C and K, while the cheese adds protein and calcium.

Quick and Easy

Using just one pan for the sauce keeps cleanup simple, while the straightforward method delivers restaurant-quality results.

Adaptable Recipe

Switch up pasta shapes or try different cheese combinations while keeping the core technique the same.

Perfect for Guests

The recipe easily serves a crowd and maintains its quality when made in larger portions.

Kid-Friendly Vegetables

The creamy sauce helps introduce vegetables in a way that appeals to children's developing palates.

Using Leftovers

Transform extras into a pasta frittata, creamy soup, or baked pasta with breadcrumb topping.

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This broccoli pasta proves that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious. It's become a beloved recipe that brings the family together around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can fresh broccoli be replaced with frozen in this recipe?

Definitely! Frozen broccoli is great when you're short on time. Skip thawing and just toss it straight in the pan. Keep in mind, it has more water than fresh, so reduce the pasta water you add at the end. Cook it lightly to avoid it becoming too soft.

→ Can I prep this dish ahead of time for later?

For sure, though the sauce is best fresh. To prep ahead, cook everything separately, keeping the pasta apart from the sauce. Later, gently warm the sauce, adding a splash of cream if needed, and mix with freshly cooked pasta. Leftovers? Heat gently on the stove with a little cream to smooth out the sauce again.

→ Are there lighter alternatives to heavy cream for this pasta?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it won’t be as luscious. Another choice: mix 1/4 cup cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups milk. For a dairy-free tweak, unsweetened coconut or cashew cream works too, though it changes the flavor a bit.

→ What other veggies can I use instead of broccoli?

Mix it up with cauliflower, asparagus, peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Brighten things with red bell peppers or add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. For more protein, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.

→ Is ditalini pasta the only option for this dish?

Not at all! Ditalini’s great for how it hugs the sauce, but you can swap it for other short pasta like penne, farfalle, rotini, or shells. Want something chunkier? Rigatoni or cavatappi are excellent choices too.