If you’ve got a craving for comfort and crave-worthy flavors, you will absolutely adore this Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe. It’s that perfect one-pan wonder where tender egg noodles get smothered in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce and bursts of vibrant broccoli, making every bite as satisfying as a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re short on time or just want something that the whole family will love, this quick skillet pasta brings together classic favorites into a dish that is as easy as it is delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this recipe plays its own special role, resulting in a dish that’s comforting, rich, and vibrantly colored. With a short ingredient list, you’ll find there’s no need to fuss — just simple, everyday staples that deliver maximum flavor.
- Egg noodles (8 ounces): These create a perfect foundation with their soft, springy texture that holds up to the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps the broccoli achieve a gorgeous, golden-tender bite.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Lends a pop of color, nutrients, and earthy flavor; use what you have on hand!
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A little garlic wakes up the whole skillet, creating an irresistible aroma and subtle depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce that classic richness and helps form the perfect roux for thickening.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This is your secret weapon for thick, creamy, luscious cheese sauce.
- Milk (2 cups): Keeps the sauce velvety smooth; whole milk works best, but any variety will do in a pinch.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory background flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to boost all the other flavors in the skillet.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick that balances the creaminess and sharp cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show! Go for sharp cheddar for extra punch and meltiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Rounds out the sauce with nutty depth and brings the cheesy factor up another notch.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your egg noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. This gives them just the right “bite” so they hold up perfectly when tossed in the cheesy sauce. Drain them well and set aside — don’t worry, they’ll soak up all that savory goodness in a moment!
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
Grab your largest, coziest skillet and add the olive oil. Toss in the broccoli (fresh or straight from the freezer) and cook over medium heat for around four to five minutes until it’s crisp-tender and bright green. Stir in the minced garlic and give it about thirty seconds — just until fragrant — to infuse the oil and vegetables with flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Push the broccoli to the edges of your pan, making a little well in the center. Drop in your butter, letting it melt and bubble gently. Whisk in the flour so it forms a paste — this is your roux, and it’s the key to a silky, thick sauce. Cook for one or two minutes, stirring constantly, to take away the raw flour taste while creating the foundation for cheesy perfection.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly drizzle in the milk, whisking constantly to keep everything blissfully lump-free. As the sauce cooks, you’ll see it begin to thicken in about three to four minutes. Once you’re happy with the consistency, season with onion powder, salt, and black pepper for a subtle kick of flavor. Then, stir in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese until both melt smoothly, turning the sauce into a luscious, golden pool.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now for the best part — add the cooked noodles right into the skillet and toss everything together so every noodle is fully coated in cheesy broccoli goodness. Give it a moment on the heat so it all melds into one irresistible tangle. Serve your Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe warm and melty, straight from the pan for maximum coziness!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a dusting of Parmesan on top adds instant pizzazz! A handful of fresh parsley or chives tossed over the skillet right before serving brings a burst of color and freshness, balancing all those rich, cheesy notes. If you like a bit of crunch, a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions is a crowd-pleaser too.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe stands tall as a quick main dish, but it’s fantastic with a simple green salad on the side for some crispness. Buttered peas or roasted carrots add a bit more veg, or serve with warm crusty bread for sopping up the cheesy sauce. If you want to round out the meal, a tangy apple or citrus salad makes a perfect counterpoint to all that creamy comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, portion the Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe into mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a charming, individual touch. You can also pile it high into a big, shallow serving bowl, then top with broiled cheese and breadcrumbs for a bubbly, gratin-style finish. Want to wow the kids or picky eaters? Serve inside hollowed bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe, lucky you! Scoop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even richer. Make sure the noodles are fully coated in sauce to keep them from drying out.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to two months, although the texture of the noodles and cheese sauce may change slightly during freezing and thawing. For best results, let the skillet dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a cheesy, satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place portions of the Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe back into a saucepan or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch — just cover to keep it steamy and stir every minute to re-incorporate the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for their texture, any sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works beautifully in the Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe. Choose your favorite shape for fun spins every time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your preferred gluten-free pasta and use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Everything else is naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.
Can I add protein to make it a heartier meal?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or even chickpeas along with the noodles for an extra boost of protein and flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or make the meal a bit more filling.
How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
The secret is to add the cheese after the sauce is thickened and off the heat; this way it melts gently, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce every time. Also, use freshly grated cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded types.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your jam, try cauliflower florets, peas, spinach, or even a medley of your favorite veggies. The Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe is super flexible — let your fridge (and your cravings) guide you!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about bringing a skillet of this Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe to the table — it’s cozy, quick, and loaded with nostalgia! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re feeding a family or just need a little weeknight comfort. Try it out and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with every forkful!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender egg noodles with broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
8 ounces
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Broccoli Florets:
2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Garlic Cloves:
2, minced
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tablespoons
Milk:
2 cups
Onion Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
1 1/2 cups, shredded
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 4–5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, cook until heated through. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Push broccoli to the edges of the skillet. Melt butter in the center and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until coated in the cheesy sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or turkey.
- Enhance the cheese sauce with a pinch of paprika or mustard powder.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
