This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate cozy dinner for busy nights when you want something warm, filling, and full of flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s luxuriously creamy, packed with tender broccoli, and blanketed in melted cheese that clings to every bite of pasta. Best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving comfort food, this dish delivers big time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Weeknight Savior: Ready in just half an hour, this pasta is your go-to for a stress-free dinner after a long day.
Super Comforting: Think creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one bowl—it’s cozy comfort food at its best.
Kid-Friendly: Even the broccoli skeptics will be asking for seconds thanks to the cheesy goodness coating every piece.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, less mess, and everything cooks together in harmony—yes, please!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple, with pantry and fridge staples working together to make magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta: Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work best—they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work well. Chop into small pieces so they cook quickly and blend right into the dish.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory flavor. Use fresh minced garlic for the best taste.
Butter: The start of a silky cheese sauce and adds that classic comforting flavor.
Flour: Just a bit to help thicken the cheese sauce and give it that luscious, clingy texture.
Milk: Whole milk or even 2% works best to create that ultra-creamy base. For extra richness, splash in some heavy cream.
Cheese: Cheddar is the star here—sharp or mild, depending on your preference. Add a handful of mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste!
Nutmeg (optional): A tiny pinch goes a long way in deepening the flavor of the cheese sauce—especially nice if you’re using cream.

Variations

Want to shake things up a little? Here are a few tasty tweaks to try:

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even some crispy tofu for a protein-packed twist.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce adds heat to contrast the creamy sauce.
Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
Extra Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach if you’re in the mood to boost the veggie factor.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and your favorite dairy-free cheese. It’s still creamy and satisfying!

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 according to the package instructions. About 3–4 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain everything and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.

Step 3: Add Milk and Thicken

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. This usually takes 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar (and mozzarella if using) until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot. Stir until everything is evenly coated in that cheesy, creamy goodness. Heat for another minute or two if needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Dish it out while it’s piping hot and the cheese is still wonderfully gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add it just a few minutes before the pasta is done so it stays bright and tender, not mushy.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. Freshly grated melts smoother.
Thin Out the Sauce If Needed: If the sauce gets too thick, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Add Cheese Off the Heat: Cheese can separate if overheated, so always melt it gently with the heat turned down.

How to Serve

This pasta is a meal in itself, but here are some ideas to round it out:

Side Dishes:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up every drop of sauce.

Garnishes:

Freshly ground black pepper
A sprinkle of red chili flakes
Grated parmesan or extra cheddar on top

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze it, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly due to the dairy. Freeze in portions, and reheat with a bit of added milk to restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to bring back the silky texture. Stir well while warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just toss it into the boiling water a couple of minutes before the pasta is done, just like you would with fresh. No need to thaw first.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short, ridged pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works best because it grabs onto the creamy cheese sauce so well. But really, use whatever you have on hand!

Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely. Try Gouda, Fontina, or even a bit of cream cheese for richness. Just make sure it melts well. Mixing a couple of cheeses can give the dish extra depth.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Using whole milk and adding a splash of heavy cream really helps. Don’t skip the roux (butter + flour), as it’s key to that thick, velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof, and fabulously cheesy pasta dinner, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, simple, and endlessly comforting—perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite way to eat your veggies!

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe