If you’re in need of a comforting, soul-warming dish that comes together in no time, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is exactly what you’re looking for. This recipe is the definition of quick comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. The creamy sauce hugs every piece of pasta, the broccoli adds that perfect bite of freshness, and of course, all that gooey, melted cheese takes it straight to comfort food heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in No Time: This dish is on your table in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Minimal prep, maximum payoff.
Rich and Satisfying: Creamy cheese sauce clings to every noodle, making each bite rich, velvety, and irresistibly cheesy.
Vegetable-Packed: Broccoli isn’t just an add-on here—it’s a key part of the flavor and texture. It adds color, crunch, and nutrition to balance the richness.
One-Pot Wonder: You can cook the pasta and broccoli in the same pot—less cleanup, more convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta: Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells work best—they trap the sauce beautifully.
Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings out a deeper, savory layer that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Butter: Forms the base of the sauce and adds richness.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
Milk or Cream: Use whole milk or heavy cream for that luscious, velvety finish.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a must here for bold flavor, and adding a bit of mozzarella gives it that satisfying melt.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste and don’t be shy—a little salt goes a long way to bring everything together.
Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch can really elevate the creaminess without overpowering.

Variations

Protein Boost: Add in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or sautéed shrimp to make it even heartier.
Different Veggies: Swap broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or peas if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Spice It Up: Stir in red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. About 3–4 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook until both are tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add flour and whisk to form a smooth paste. Let it cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Simmer

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer gently until the sauce starts to thicken—about 4–5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Reduce heat to low, then add your shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Broccoli

Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot. Stir everything together until the sauce coats every bite. Heat through for another minute or two and it’s ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and avoids the clumpiness you sometimes get from pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it vibrant and slightly crisp—not mushy.
Reserve Some Pasta Water: If your sauce is too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water can loosen it up without thinning the flavor.
Warm the Milk: Using warm milk helps the sauce thicken more smoothly and quickly.

How to Serve

This pasta is wonderfully versatile and makes a cozy main dish all on its own. But if you want to elevate it into a full meal, here are some pairing ideas:

Garnishes:

Top with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that sauce.

For the Table:

Add a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to contrast the creaminess, or serve with sparkling water and lemon for a clean, refreshing sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it sits, but it reheats beautifully with a little added milk.

Freezing

This dish is best fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat with extra milk or cream to restore the creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each one.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the pasta water so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold onto the cheese sauce better. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti for this recipe.

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyère, Fontina, or even a little blue cheese can bring a whole new depth of flavor. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is everything a quick weeknight dinner should be: fast, flavorful, comforting, and just a little indulgent. With its velvety cheese sauce and tender broccoli, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe