Print

broccoli cheese pasta recipe

broccoli cheese pasta recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

A creamy and comforting broccoli cheese pasta recipe that combines tender pasta, sautéed broccoli, and a rich homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish is flavorful and easy to prepare using simple ingredients and one pot.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 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 milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Use a large pot, such as a Dutch oven, to boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli and sprinkle with salt. Cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant green. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about one minute. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Stir in the sautéed broccoli to evenly distribute. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or toasted breadcrumbs if desired. Serve the broccoli cheese pasta warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Use short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to better hold the cheese sauce.
  • Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier melt instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
  • Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant and robust flavor to the broccoli.
  • For a richer sauce, use whole milk as recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese pasta, creamy broccoli pasta, cheese pasta recipe, easy vegetarian pasta, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/broccoli-cheese-pasta-recipe/