If you’re in the mood for something comforting, easy, and downright delicious, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is about to be your new go-to weeknight hero. It’s rich, velvety, and full of flavor with the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and the freshness of broccoli. Even better? It comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. This is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — creamy, cheesy, and just what you need after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: From prep to plate in under half an hour. Perfect for those evenings when time is not on your side.
Comforting and Satisfying: That luscious, silky cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta and vibrant broccoli is pure comfort food.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t say no to a cheesy pasta night — especially when broccoli is snuck in under a creamy blanket.
Flexible and Forgiving: This recipe works with whatever pasta or cheese you’ve got on hand. No fancy ingredients needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy dream a reality:

Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells work great — their nooks and crannies catch all the sauce.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets will do. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better sauce distribution.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and depth. Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste.
Butter: Helps create the base of the sauce and adds that irresistible richness.
Flour: A little goes a long way to thicken the sauce. This is your roux hero.
Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but 2% works fine too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings big flavor. Pre-shredded works, but freshly grated melts smoother.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and depth to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t skip the taste test!
Optional Mustard or Nutmeg: A tiny amount of Dijon or nutmeg can add a subtle complexity to the sauce.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these:

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or even sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
Go Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives this cozy dish a nice little kick.
Mix Up the Cheese: Try gouda, mozzarella, or gruyère if you’re out of cheddar. Each brings a different creamy texture and flavor.
Pasta Swap: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even chickpea pasta depending on your dietary preferences.
More Veggies: Toss in peas, spinach, or mushrooms to make it extra wholesome.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente. In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure it stays smooth. Let it simmer gently until it thickens — about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and velvety. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard or nutmeg if using.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce, stir to coat everything evenly, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Undercook the Pasta Slightly: It will continue to cook a bit once mixed with the hot cheese sauce, so stopping just shy of al dente helps prevent mushy noodles.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts more smoothly and gives you that rich, creamy finish store-bought shreds sometimes miss.
Reserve Some Pasta Water: A splash of the starchy water can help thin the sauce if it gets too thick and helps it cling better to the pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it tender, not mushy — a quick boil in the pasta pot is all it needs.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can dress it up depending on the mood:

Pairings:

With a Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.
Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: Because extra carbs with cheesy pasta are always a good idea.
Glass of White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens over time, but still tastes amazing.

Freezing

This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing because dairy-based sauces can separate when reheated. But if you must, freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to one month and expect a little texture change.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta. You can even toss it into the boiling pasta water for the last few minutes.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated cheese and add it off the heat or over low heat. High heat can make cheese clump or turn grainy.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

What’s the best cheese combo for this dish?
Sharp cheddar for bold flavor, and a touch of Parmesan for umami. You can also add mozzarella for gooeyness or gruyère for depth.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is one of those dishes that proves simple can be sensational. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this pasta brings all the comfort without any of the hassle. Give it a try tonight — your taste buds will thank you!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe