If you’re on the hunt for a feel-good dinner that feels decadent yet sneaks in a pile of healthy veggies, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine forkfuls of tender pasta shells, all wrapped up in a gloriously silky, cheesy sauce—punctuated by fresh, vibrant broccoli that absolutely soaks up every bit of flavor. This dish is a balance of comfort and freshness, delivering hearty satisfaction and that classic cheesy pasta stretch in every bite!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is how every ingredient brings something special to the table—literally! From the richness of the dairy to the green pop of broccoli, each component plays a starring role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture.

Butter: Adds creaminess and a rich undertone that ties all the other flavors together.
Olive oil: Gives a subtle fruitiness while helping to sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
Yellow Onion: Brings a mellow, natural sweetness that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Fresh Broccoli: The bright green hero, adding nutrition, color, and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness.
Garlic: This classic brings that irresistible aroma and depth that rounds out every forkful.
Heavy Cream: The real reason your sauce will be oh-so velvety and luxurious—the cream brings it all together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth, stretchy cheese pulls? Yes, please! Mozzarella creates a luscious body for your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and the perfect finishing flourish.
Pasta water: Don’t skip this step—it helps the sauce cling to every ditalini tube for maximum flavor punch.
Ditalini Pasta: These tiny tubes are perfect for scooping up creamy sauce (but swap in your favorite short pasta if you like!)

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavorful Base

Start by melting the butter with a generous swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sauté everything together for a good 5–7 minutes, letting the onion soften and turn translucent. This step is crucial—it creates that sweet, buttery, aromatic base that sets the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe apart from any ordinary pasta dish.

Step 2: Brighten Things Up with Broccoli

Next, slide in your chopped broccoli and give it a toss in all those sautéed aromatics. Cook for about 5 minutes, until it turns a bright, vibrant green and just starts to get tender. Don’t worry about overcooking—the broccoli will keep a lovely bite, lending fresh flavor and gorgeous color to your pasta.

Step 3: Create an Irresistibly Creamy Sauce

Now, the decadent magic happens! Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until you have a dreamy, smooth sauce that would make any cheese lover weak in the knees. Taste, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper—the sauce should taste so good you sneak a spoonful or two!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Just Right

While your sauce simmers, get your pasta water boiling. Cook the ditalini (or whichever short pasta you love) according to package instructions, making sure to stop at that perfect al dente texture. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this little step gives your sauce that professional, glossy finish.

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Combine the cooked pasta with the broccoli and creamy sauce in your skillet. Add the reserved pasta water and gently toss until each piece of ditalini is enveloped in cheesy, creamy goodness. The sauce should be rich, clingy, and positively inviting—exactly what the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is all about!

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

Remove your skillet from the heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese all over and stir until it completely melts into the sauce, adding that perfect salty, nutty punch. Plate up your steaming bowls right away for best results. The cheese pulls are too good to miss!

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy touch, top your Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe with extra parmesan and a twist of black pepper. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds fresh color. Feeling spicy? Try a pinch of red pepper flakes to liven things up!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides. Think classic garlic bread to mop up leftover sauce, a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or even roasted tomatoes for a sweet acidic contrast. Each of these will balance out the dish’s richness and make your meal feel like a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck the pasta into individual ramekins, top with more cheese, then pop under the broiler to create bubbling, golden tops. Or, serve in a big rustic bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil and lots of herbs for that “family-style, dig in!” moment. The Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is totally flexible, so have fun making it your own showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you), let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing that luscious creamy texture.

Freezing

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly since cream sauces can separate a bit. Freeze individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers, and use within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy sauce. Stir often and heat just until warmed through, so the cheese stays smooth and doesn’t get stringy. Don’t forget to taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw the broccoli beforehand and drain any excess water. While fresh gives a great texture and color, frozen broccoli will work in a pinch and still soak up all that luscious, cheesy sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Ditalini is wonderful because the little tubes trap the creamy sauce so well, but you can use penne, rotini, or even shells. Any short pasta that holds onto sauce will shine in this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your cheese labels to be safe. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to accommodate dietary needs.

What’s the secret to extra-creamy sauce?

The combination of heavy cream and plenty of cheese is key, but don’t skip reserving that pasta water—it loosens the sauce just right and helps it stick to every noodle. Slow and steady stirring while the cheese melts works wonders, too!

Can I add protein to this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

Definitely! Add cooked chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for more heft and flavor. Stir them in with the pasta so everything is coated in that dreamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is the ultimate cozy meal—one that brings people together and makes every bite a reason to smile. If you’re craving something easy, cheesy, and absolutely soul-soothing, I can’t recommend this one enough. Gather your ingredients, toss on your favorite playlist, and create a dinner that’s sure to disappear fast!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe. Velvety smooth sauce envelops tender broccoli and pasta, creating a decadent dish that will satisfy all your cravings.

Instructions

Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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.
Cook Broccoli: Stir in chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes until tender yet vibrant green. Season with another teaspoon of salt.
Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, simmer, then add mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, reserve pasta water, then drain.
Combine Everything: Add pasta to skillet with broccoli and sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and toss gently.
Finish Dish: Remove from heat, sprinkle parmesan cheese, stir until melted.
Serve: Garnish with more parmesan cheese and black pepper. Enjoy!