Description
This Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes. Tender pasta and fresh broccoli are combined with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses, light cream, and chicken broth. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish offers balanced flavors and creamy texture without the heaviness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini, approx 3 cups dry)
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Produce
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium)
- 1 cup light cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli directly into the boiling pasta water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together, but do not rinse. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously until it reaches a boil and thickens to a smooth sauce.
- Combine: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta and broccoli after draining to retain some of the starch, helping the sauce adhere better.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese.
- Light cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce mixture continuously to avoid lumps and burning on the bottom of the pan.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
