Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe — A Creamy, Cheesy Delight Recipe
A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese pasta recipe that combines perfectly cooked pasta, tender sautéed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce for a comforting and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 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: Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and then drain.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped broccoli and season with salt. Cook until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheese, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well to coat evenly. Stir in the sautéed broccoli so it is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra shredded cheese, red pepper flakes, or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer cheese sauce; you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option.
- Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, but mixing mozzarella and Parmesan adds a nice depth.
- Mustard powder is optional but enhances the sharpness of the cheese sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli to maintain some crunch and vibrant color.
- Additional garnishes like red pepper flakes or toasted breadcrumbs add great texture and flavor contrast.
Keywords: broccoli cheese pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, cheesy broccoli pasta, easy dinner recipes
