Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with tender broccoli, rich cheeses, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 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
• 16 oz Ditalini Pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then sauté until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. 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 coated evenly with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese has melted and combined into the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon pieces.
• Use sharp cheddar alongside mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor profile.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk.
• Try swapping ditalini for penne or farfalle pasta for a varied texture.
• Add red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

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 sautéing to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses. Just ensure the parmesan you choose is suitable for vegetarians or substitute it with a vegetarian hard cheese alternative.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender broccoli florets with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from mozzarella and parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked ditalini pasta. It’s a delightful vegetarian dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, ideal for a wholesome weeknight meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

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

Cheese and Dairy

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

Pantry

• 2 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt (divided)
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup Pasta water (reserved from cooked pasta)
• 16 oz Ditalini Pasta

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance flavor.
2. Cook Broccoli: Stir in chopped broccoli and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Add an additional teaspoon of salt to season the vegetables evenly.
3. Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add shredded mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare Pasta: In a separate pot, cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and 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 to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and is well incorporated into the dish.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy your warm, cheesy broccoli pasta!

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed to keep it creamy.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.

Keywords: creamy broccoli pasta, cheesy pasta, ditalini pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy broccoli recipes