Introduction

This cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender broccoli with a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 Yellow Onion, diced
500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 cups Heavy Cream
8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated
½ cup Pasta water (reserved)
16 oz Ditalini Pasta
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot following the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce.
Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy your creamy broccoli pasta!

Tips & Variations

Use sharp parmesan for a bolder flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Substitute ditalini with penne or fusilli for different pasta textures.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add reserved pasta water or a little more cream gradually while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

A deliciously creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta dish featuring tender sautéed broccoli, rich heavy cream, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, all tossed with al dente ditalini pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 Yellow Onion, diced
500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced

Dairy

2 tablespoon Butter
2 cups Heavy Cream
8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated

Pantry

2 tablespoon Olive Oil
½ cup Pasta water, reserved
16 oz Ditalini Pasta
Salt, to taste (approximately 2 teaspoons)
Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance flavor.
Cook Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet retains a vibrant green color. Add an additional teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to thin out the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli can be a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
To add a protein boost, consider stirring in cooked chicken or crispy bacon pieces before serving.

Keywords: Broccoli pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy broccoli pasta, ditalini pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, one-pan pasta sauce