Print

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

This creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta is an easy, comforting dish combining tender pasta, sautéed broccoli, and a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful balance of cheesy flavors with healthy veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for broccoli)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Use a large pot to bring 4 cups of water with 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Broccoli: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is slightly tender but still crisp.
  3. Prepare Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux without browning.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in 2 cups milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Season Sauce: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, mixing well to combine flavors.
  6. Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Fold in the sautéed broccoli to evenly distribute throughout the dish.
  8. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  9. Serve: Serve the Broccoli Cheese Pasta warm, enjoying its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to pasta.
  • For a lighter version, substitute milk with low-fat milk or use half milk half broth.
  • To add protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits.
  • Mustard powder enhances the cheese flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Broccoli can be replaced or supplemented with other vegetables like peas or spinach.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Pasta, creamy pasta recipe, cheesy broccoli pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheddar cheese sauce pasta

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/broccoli-cheese-pasta-recipe/