Go Back
–+ servings
Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta: A Quick and Cozy Delight

This creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a comforting and nutritious dinner option ready in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta Choose penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
  • 4 cups water For boiling; remember to salt it well.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor.
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Steam until tender-crisp.
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Forms the creamy base.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk works best.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with Gouda or Gruyère.
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder Adds depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika Gives smokiness.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon salt, and cook 12 oz pasta until al dente for about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet, sauté 1 minced clove garlic for 30 seconds, then add 2 cups broccoli and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stir for about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour for 1 minute, then gradually add 2 cups milk, stirring until thickened (4-5 minutes).
  4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika into the thickened sauce.
  5. Slowly mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Combine drained pasta and sautéed broccoli with the cheese sauce, tossing gently. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Serve warm, garnishing with extra cheese or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!