Description
This creamy broccoli cheddar pasta is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender pasta and fresh broccoli tossed in a smooth cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s a family-friendly recipe that delivers classic American flavors with a vegetarian twist.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or extra cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta following the package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but crisp. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring the sauce remains smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor balance.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor for a rich and tangy cheese sauce.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or bacon to the dish.
- Substitute half-and-half for milk for an even creamier sauce.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools; reheat leftovers with a splash of milk for smoothness.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
