Looking for a dinner that’s comforting, creamy, and loaded with flavor — and comes together in under 30 minutes? This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta checks every box. Tender pasta tossed in a velvety cheese sauce, packed with perfectly cooked broccoli, and finished with a hint of garlic and Parmesan? Yes, please.
This dish brings together the wholesomeness of broccoli with indulgent creamy cheese in a way that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and totally crave-worthy. Serve it as a main course or as a hearty side with chicken or fish.
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Drain both together and set aside. - Sauté garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Make the roux
Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a paste. - Add the milk
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes). - Stir in cheeses
Lower heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. - Combine pasta and broccoli
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce. Toss until fully coated and heated through. - Serve warm
Garnish with extra Parmesan or cracked pepper. Serve immediately!
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
Nutrition may vary based on cheese and pasta type used.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour blend.
- Use frozen broccoli: No need to thaw — just add it in the last 3 minutes of pasta boiling.
- Extra creamy? Add ¼ cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Low-fat version: Use skim milk and reduced-fat cheese.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with:
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or buttery toast
- A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water
It also makes a delicious leftover lunch the next day!
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