Description
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender pasta and broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, and light cream. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces medium pasta (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
- 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. During the last 4 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water. Once both are cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together but do not rinse to preserve starch for the sauce. Set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until it boils and thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta and broccoli back to the pan and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta and broccoli after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor; you can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it before combining with pasta.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the sauce may thicken upon standing.
