Description
Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal featuring tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or plant-based)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot. Stir to coat well in the cheesy sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or cream in place of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg