Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something deeply comforting but still want to sneak in some green goodness, Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight is your new go-to. Imagine tender pasta, the freshest broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce wrapping it all together—this dish is pure joy in a bowl, and it comes together in just half an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight keeps it simple—just a handful of easy-to-find kitchen staples and a few tips to make every ingredient shine. Each part plays a role: the pasta is cozy, broccoli adds texture and color, and that luscious cheese sauce steals the show!

• Pasta (12 oz): Pick penne, rotini, or fettuccine—short shapes like penne and rotini hold the cheesy sauce super well.
• Water (4 cups): For boiling the pasta; salting the water makes a big flavor difference.
• Salt (for boiling & seasoning): Enhances both pasta and broccoli.
• Broccoli florets (2 cups): Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking; this brings a pop of green and gentle crunch.
• Olive oil (1 tsp): For sautéing broccoli—adds a subtle richness.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): A quick sauté adds depth and fragrance that lifts the whole dish.
• Butter (2 tbsp): The base of your roux, giving the cheese sauce a rich and silky backbone.
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Whisked with butter, it thickens your cheese sauce to perfection.
• Milk (2 cups, preferably whole): For unbeatable creaminess in your sauce—whole milk is best, but 2% works too.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Freshly grated melty cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella or Parmesan too.
• Mustard powder (½ tsp, optional): Totally optional, but just a pinch brightens up the whole cheese sauce.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): For a little warmth and subtle bite.
• Paprika (¼ tsp): Adds a whisper of smokiness and beautiful color.

Variations

The beauty of Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight is that it’s endlessly adaptable to suit your cravings, the cheese drawer, or whatever veggies you have on hand! Feel free to give it your own signature twist—there’s no wrong way to make cheesy pasta even more lovable.

• Make it meatier: Toss in cooked, shredded chicken or crisp bacon for an extra hit of protein (and decadence!)
• Go gluten-free: Easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce base.
• Try different cheeses: Gouda, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a little blue cheese can take this dish in new, delicious directions.
• Extra veggies: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta shape. Cook according to package instructions just until al dente—it should have the tiniest bit of bite, so it doesn’t turn mushy when tossed with sauce. Once done, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water (trust me, you might want it later!), then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, not browned! Toss in your broccoli florets and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, for a few minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove from heat to keep that gorgeous color and gentle crunch.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux—give it about a minute to lose that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer, stir in mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook until thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon. Now reduce the heat and add your cheese. Stir until molten, glossy, and irrepressibly creamy!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta right into your cheese sauce and mix to coat each piece in cheesy velvet. Fold in the sautéed broccoli so every forkful gets both creamy and bright bites. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash or two of the reserved pasta water will loosen things perfectly—just add slowly, stirring as you go. Taste and adjust your seasoning to absolute perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Scoop the Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight into bowls while still piping hot. Shower with extra cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for a playful finish. Gather your people—it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, scatter some extra freshly grated cheese over the top, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Toasted breadcrumbs add irresistible crunch, and a few cracks of black pepper or a flourish of chopped fresh parsley bring a pop of color and flavor to your Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but it’s lovely with a crisp green salad drizzled in a zingy vinaigrette or a plate of garlicky roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread is great for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress it up by serving family-style in a big, shallow bowl, or portion into mini ramekins topped with more cheese and broil until bubbly for a dinner party twist. You can even nestle the Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight into baked bell pepper halves for a fun and colorful meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator, making this dish a dream for quick lunches or another round of cheesy comfort.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight, let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. The texture of the sauce may change a bit after thawing, but a splash of milk stirred in while reheating brings it right back to life.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a spoonful of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for even heating and enjoy as gooey and creamy as the first serving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you adore cheesy, nourishing comfort on a weeknight but crave a little green freshness too, Broccoli Cheese Pasta – A Creamy, Cheesy Delight will steal your heart. I can’t wait for you to try it, scoop up every last creamy bite, and make it your own family favorite.

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