Name: Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Butter; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 1 Yellow Onion; 500g Fresh Broccoli, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 cups Heavy Cream; 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese; 8 oz Parmesan Cheese; ½ cup Pasta water; 16 oz Ditalini Pasta; Knife; Cutting Board; Large Skillet

If you’re craving a dish that’s both luxurious and nutrient-packed, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is absolutely going to hit the spot. Imagine tender ditalini pasta wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce, speckled with vibrant broccoli and luscious bites of sautéed onion and garlic—ready in under 20 minutes! Plus, with three hidden veggies, you’ll be sneaking in so much goodness without sacrificing that truly comforting, cheesy flavor. It’s the perfect pasta for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you need a little extra coziness on your plate.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something so rich and flavorful. Each component really does something special—from buttery undertones to creamy textures and bold, fresh pops of color—so don’t skip a thing!

Butter: Adds luxurious richness and the first touch of flavor for the sauce foundation.
Olive oil: Balances the butter and helps sauté the veggies without burning.
Yellow onion: Sweetens up the sauce and lends irresistible depth to every bite.
Fresh broccoli (chopped): The green superstar—adds nutrients, texture, and a lovely pop of color.
Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant, mellow kick that infuses the creamy base.
Heavy cream: The magic ingredient that makes the sauce oh-so-silky and decadent.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into glorious strands for the ultimate cheesy pull and creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty, umami notes to tie everything together.
Pasta water: A splash at the end ensures the sauce clings to every bit of pasta perfectly.
Ditalini pasta: Short, tender, and perfect for catching the cheesy, creamy sauce in every nook!

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then melt the butter together with the olive oil. Immediately, you’ll notice a lovely aroma as you add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with warmth. Don’t rush—this is where the flavor really starts to build!

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Next, stir the chopped broccoli into your sizzling onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt, and let it all cook for about 5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green—it adds that just-right bite and keeps every forkful colorful.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella, then stir, stir, stir! Watch as the cheese melts into the cream, creating a dreamy, smooth sauce. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like—it’s officially becoming the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe you’re going to crave again and again.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Scoop out half a cup of that pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold that helps your sauce reach perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, toss your cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the creamy broccoli sauce. Drizzle in the reserved pasta water, and toss gently until every piece is coated in a cheesy embrace. This moment right here is why you fell in love with the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe in the first place!

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Remove the skillet from the heat and shower the pasta with a generous handful of grated parmesan. Stir until it melts and weaves into the sauce, tightening everything up and adding that little extra punch. Serve immediately, perhaps with a final sprinkle of parmesan and a grind of black pepper.

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of extra parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper look beautiful and amp up that savory factor. For a fresh touch, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil is a crowd-pleasing finishing move. If you’re feeling a little zesty, a bit of lemon zest can awaken the whole dish!

Side Dishes

This cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta loves some company. Pair it with a garlicky side of toasted bread, a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, or slow-roasted cherry tomatoes for sweet contrast. These flavors all bounce off the main event to make your meal feel like a real feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate it up in individual bowls for a little more elegance. You could even spoon it into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers or bake it into ramekins with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, melty twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before scooping into airtight containers. The Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge—just make sure it’s well covered so all that flavor stays locked in.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to 2 months. Let the pasta thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating so the sauce doesn’t separate too much.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or extra cream. Stir gently until it’s warmed through and creamy again. The key is to heat it slowly, so the sauce stays silky and doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli makes this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe even easier. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or even macaroni work great because they hold onto the cheese sauce. Use whatever you have on hand—the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is happily adaptable!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. The cream sauce and veggies are naturally gluten free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.

How can I add more protein?

Stirring in cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy bacon is a delicious way to bulk up the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. If you want to keep it vegetarian, toss in some white beans or sliced mushrooms.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

For a lighter take, try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You could also use a bit less cheese and load up with extra veggies for an even more nourishing dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe—the way it blends comfort, speed, and flavor makes it truly irresistible. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your dinner table!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe