Description
Indulge in a comforting and satisfying dish with this Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this vegetarian pasta is rich, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, add pasta and cook. Add broccoli in the last 3–4 minutes, then drain.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, add milk and cream. Cook until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and broccoli in the sauce until coated.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
