Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe—A Creamy, Cheesy Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines tender broccoli with a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. Fold in the sautéed broccoli to evenly combine everything.
7. Step 7: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini as they hold the sauce better.
• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melting texture instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• Keep broccoli slightly crisp by avoiding overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.
• Try different cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
• If your sauce becomes too thick, stir in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a little milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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. Just thaw and drain it before sautéing to avoid excess water in the dish.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk, and choose vegan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe—A Creamy, Cheesy Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with sautéed broccoli and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a velvety sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

• Author: Joe
• 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 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Broccoli

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add 1 teaspoon salt and the pasta of your choice. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally. Cook until the broccoli is tender yet still slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about one minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to season.
4. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the sautéed broccoli, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dish.
6. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve the broccoli cheese pasta warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors.

Notes

• For best results, use short pasta shapes like penne or rotini, as they hold the sauce better.
• Always grate your cheese fresh, since pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that inhibit smooth melting.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli; keeping it slightly crisp adds the best texture contrast.
• If your sauce becomes too thick, a bit of reserved pasta water will loosen it right up.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for varying flavor profiles.

Keywords: broccoli cheese pasta, creamy pasta recipe, cheddar cheese pasta, easy pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta dish