If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, vibrant green broccoli mingling with luscious melted mozzarella and parmesan, all wrapped in a silky, dreamy cream sauce that perfectly clings to each little pasta piece. This dish balances healthful veggies with indulgent cheese in a way that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite go-to for those cozy nights in.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role – from the buttery, savory base to the fresh broccoli’s vibrant crunch, and of course, the sumptuous cheeses that create that iconic Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta texture. Trust me, keeping the list simple ensures every bite bursts with flavor and balance.

Butter: Adds richness and helps build the flavorful base of the sauce.
Olive oil: Balances the butter with a light, fruity undertone and helps sauté the aromatics.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
Fresh broccoli: Offers vibrant color, texture, and a healthy dose of greens.
Garlic: Imparts an aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
Heavy cream: Forms the luscious, creamy foundation for the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and lends gooey cheesiness to the pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that deepens flavor complexity.
Pasta water: Used to thin the sauce just enough for perfect coating and silkiness.
Ditalini pasta: Small and tubular, ideal for catching that delicious creamy sauce in every bite.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Begin by melting butter together with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination brings richness with a subtle fruity touch. Add finely minced garlic and diced yellow onion, sautéing gently until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. This process unlocks their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation for the sauce. A teaspoon of salt helps season these aromatics early on.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Next, stir in the chopped broccoli florets and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. You want the broccoli tender but still bright green and slightly crisp, maintaining its natural texture and color. Adding another teaspoon of salt at this stage enhances the vegetable’s fresh flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Then add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step transforms the skillet’s contents into that signature Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta sauce — velvety, rich, and indulgent. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While cooking the sauce, boil the ditalini pasta separately following package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This water is a secret weapon to help loosen the sauce if needed and bind all elements together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to your skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. The pasta will soak up the sauce, creating a harmonious bite every time.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir well until the parmesan melts into the mix, adding an extra layer of savory depth and that irresistible cheesy finish that makes this dish so memorable.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve your Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta straight from the skillet for maximum creaminess and warmth. Garnish with extra parmesan or freshly ground black pepper if you like a bit of a spicy kick. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor its full creamy glory!

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese or a dash of cracked black pepper adds a perfect finishing touch to the rich pasta. For a fresh contrast, minced fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten each forkful with a fragrant pop.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another excellent choice – great for scooping up any stray sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a golden parmesan crust under the broiler for a couple of minutes. This adds a lovely crunchy texture that complements the smooth sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but the sauce might thicken as it chills.

Freezing

This pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze, consider undercooking the pasta slightly and freezing the sauce separately to mix fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick. Avoid microwaving aggressively to keep the creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini is great for catching the sauce, other small shapes like penne or rigatoni work wonderfully as well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just ensure any cheeses used are free from animal rennet if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.

How do I make the sauce less rich?

You can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick or indulgent. Adjusting the cheese quantity can also help lighten it.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese on hand?

Mozzarella provides gooey texture but parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. If you don’t have parmesan, asiago or pecorino romano are good substitutes, or just use extra mozzarella for cheesiness.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions that complement the creamy broccoli and cheese base beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is hands-down one of those soul-satisfying meals you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich but fresh, simple yet impressive, and perfectly balanced to comfort you in every bite. I absolutely encourage you to try this recipe soon — it just might become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a delightful comfort dish combining tender broccoli with a luscious cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, tossed with perfectly cooked ditalini pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors.
Cook Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt to season the vegetables well.
Create Cream 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 fully, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, in a separate pot boil water and cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy cheese sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce, adjusting consistency if needed.
Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated, enriching the dish’s flavor.
Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, optionally garnished with additional parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for extra taste and presentation. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini.
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 510 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: broccoli pasta, creamy pasta recipe, cheesy pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, comfort food, quick pasta dinner