Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta! It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket on a busy weeknight. This dish is a delightful combination of rich, creamy sauce and tender broccoli, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for families or anyone craving a cozy meal. Plus, it comes together in no time, so you can whip it up after a long day without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (I love using penne or rotini for their perfect sauce-hugging shapes!)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (make sure they’re nice and bright green for that fresh crunch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (this adds that rich flavor we all crave)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken up that creamy goodness)
- 2 cups milk (I usually go for whole milk, but you can use whatever you have on hand)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for extra flavor!)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, a little sprinkle goes a long way)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is my favorite for that extra kick)
How to Prepare Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s super simple. You’ll want to start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Toss in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection. While that’s bubbling away, grab another pot for the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it get all bubbly and delicious!
- Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it for about a minute. This step is key to creating a smooth sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and keep stirring until it’s nice and smooth. You’ll want it to come up to a gentle simmer. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Once it’s thickened up a bit, throw in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s all melted and creamy—oh wow, the smell is divine!
- Now, add the bright green broccoli florets to the sauce, followed by the drained pasta. Mix everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voila! You’re ready to serve this creamy goodness warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor that will warm your soul.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit with everyone.
- Comfort food at its best, packed with cheesy goodness.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shapes and veggies!
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta truly shine, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with different pasta shapes like farfalle or fusilli—the more fun shapes, the better the bite! If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to mix in some mozzarella or gouda for a twist on flavor. And if broccoli isn’t your jam, try swapping it out for spinach, peas, or even roasted cauliflower. Just make sure whatever veggies you choose are cooked until tender for that perfect creamy blend. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this scrumptious Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta, don’t worry; it stores beautifully! Just transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help revive that creamy texture. Stir often to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Enjoy the cheesy goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dig into the numbers! The nutritional values for this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta can vary quite a bit depending on the brands of ingredients you use and any substitutions you make. So, the values below are estimates, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind, if you swap out ingredients or adjust the amounts, these values will change accordingly. Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy creation!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is how adaptable it is. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it out for other veggies. Try using fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, or toss in some peas for sweetness. Zucchini or roasted cauliflower also work wonderfully! Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked until tender so it blends beautifully with that creamy sauce.
How can I make it healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta, there are some easy swaps you can make! First off, consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients. You can also opt for reduced-fat cheese or a blend of cheeses to cut down on calories while still keeping that cheesy flavor. And don’t forget to sneak in more veggies—adding carrots or bell peppers can boost the nutrition without sacrificing taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this dish ahead of time! Just prepare your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta as directed, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just remember to add a little splash of milk to help bring back that creamy texture. It’s a great make-ahead meal for those busy nights!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta: 5 Ways to Love It More
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
- Add broccoli and cooked pasta, mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust cheese quantity for desired creaminess.
- Can substitute broccoli with other vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta