Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. It combines tender broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta deliciously. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, it’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Pasta water (reserved)
• 16 oz Ditalini Pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cheese combination.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap ditalini pasta for penne or fusilli if preferred—they hold the creamy sauce well.
• Incorporate cooked chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it before sautéing to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella or parmesan?

You can use cheddar or fontina as alternatives. They melt well and provide a creamy texture, though flavor will vary slightly.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

A rich and comforting Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta that combines tender broccoli and garlic sautéed in butter and olive oil with a luscious heavy cream and melted cheese sauce. This dish uses mozzarella for its gooey texture and parmesan for a sharp, savory finish, all tossed with perfectly cooked ditalini pasta.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced

Cheeses and Dairy

• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Butter

Other

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 16 oz Ditalini Pasta
• 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
• Salt (2 tsp plus to taste)
• Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors.
2. Cook Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Add an additional teaspoon of salt.
3. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
6. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, optionally garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta better.
• You can substitute ditalini pasta with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.

Keywords: broccoli pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, vegetarian pasta, ditalini, easy dinner, stovetop pasta