Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe—A Creamy, Cheesy Delight Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
