If comfort food had a best friend, Broccoli Cheese Pasta would be it. This dish brings together tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce in a single bowl that’s as cozy as it is satisfying. With a short ingredient list and a quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Plus, this flavorful one-pot wonder is packed with both cheesy indulgence and vibrant greens—so every bite feels like a little hug in a bowl.

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Pasta couldn’t be easier, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Think of this as your flavor toolbox—all you need for a dish that’s both nourishing and seriously delicious!

Pasta: Choose penne or fusilli for the way they hold onto the creamy sauce, but any short pasta will work well.
Broccoli florets: Their bright green color and subtle bite balance the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly.
Unsalted butter: This is your base for the roux, giving the sauce its signature silky texture.
Garlic cloves (minced): Just a couple of cloves awaken all the flavors and add wonderful aroma.
All-purpose flour: A tiny amount thickens the sauce without making it heavy.
Milk: The key to a creamy, lush cheese sauce—whole milk is classic, but low-fat works too.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and the heart of that comforting cheesy flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a nutty, salty punch to round out the sauce.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: A hint of spice that makes the whole dish pop.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle, warming kick in each bite.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions. In the last 2–3 minutes, gently add the broccoli florets, letting them cook together until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is vibrant green and fork-tender. Drain everything well and set aside—you’re halfway to a delicious Broccoli Cheese Pasta feast!

Step 2: Make a Flavorful Roux

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute; your kitchen will smell incredible! Next, whisk in the all-purpose flour and keep whisking for another minute. This step creates a roux—the secret to a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in Milk & Simmer

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly so everything blends smoothly. Increase the heat just a touch and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and let it bubble lightly for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic starts, and you’ll notice a creamy base forming perfect for Broccoli Cheese Pasta.

Step 4: Melt in Cheeses

Turn down the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Stir slowly until all the cheese has melted into the sauce and looks glossy and smooth. Now add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning—you want it absolutely perfect!

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce

Add the drained pasta and broccoli straight into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Use a spatula or big spoon to toss everything together until every piece is swaddled in creamy goodness. Serve your Broccoli Cheese Pasta warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Garnishes

A little finishing touch can really elevate Broccoli Cheese Pasta. Sprinkle on some extra grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for irresistible crunch. A dash of fresh cracked pepper or snipped chives also makes the colors pop and adds a fresh note.

Side Dishes

Pair Broccoli Cheese Pasta with a crisp garden salad or some buttered garlic bread for a complete meal. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a side of grilled asparagus are delicious options that add both flavor and color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, serve your Broccoli Cheese Pasta in individual ramekins or stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until golden. These fun presentations make even weeknight dinners feel a little extra special and are perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Broccoli Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills, but it remains wonderfully creamy once reheated.

Freezing

Broccoli Cheese Pasta freezes well! Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results; the flavor and texture hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to its luscious state, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir continuously until evenly warmed and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese blend in Broccoli Cheese Pasta?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan deliver classic flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, fontina, or even a touch of blue cheese for a unique twist. Just make sure the cheeses you choose melt well and complement the broccoli.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap out traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. The result is just as creamy, cheesy, and delicious—no one will know the difference!

Can I add extra protein to Broccoli Cheese Pasta?

Definitely. Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or canned chickpeas for extra substance. Both work wonderfully with the cheesy sauce and broccoli, making each serving even more satisfying.

How do I avoid the cheese sauce turning grainy?

The key is to melt the cheese over low heat and not let the sauce boil after the cheese has been added. Whisk gently and patiently until the sauce is smooth and velvety—this keeps it perfectly creamy.

Is Broccoli Cheese Pasta kid-friendly?

It sure is! Most kids love the tender pasta and cheesy flavor, and the broccoli blends right in. If your little ones are wary of greens, you can chop the broccoli into smaller pieces or even substitute with peas or cauliflower.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Broccoli Cheese Pasta—creamy, comforting, and always crowd-pleasing. If you’re craving a dish that brings smiles to the table, this recipe is a must-try. I hope you love every cheesy, broccoli-packed bite as much as I do!

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal. This easy-to-make dish combines tender pasta and vibrant broccoli florets smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)

Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta, and add broccoli for last 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, pour in milk, simmer, then add cheeses, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combine: Toss pasta and broccoli in cheese sauce until coated. Serve warm.