Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe combines tender pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses in a rich, garlicky broth. Cooked on the stovetop, it offers a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering both flavor and nutrition in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 8 ounces small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbows)
- 2 cups broth of choice (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cup finely-chopped broccoli florets
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely grated garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Toast the pasta: Add 8 ounces of small pasta (such as ditalini, small shells, or elbows) to the skillet and stir for 30 to 60 seconds to let the pasta soak up the garlicky oil.
- Simmer in broth: Pour in 2 cups of your choice of broth (chicken or vegetable). Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to add depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is slightly under al dente and approximately 70% of the liquid has been absorbed. The mixture should still look loose and brothy.
- Add light creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup (4 ounces) of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce without thickening it too much.
- Add the veggies: Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped broccoli florets and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and tender but still vibrant green.
- Finish & serve: Taste the pasta and season with fine sea salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Serve warm, with extra grated Parmesan and a fresh crack of black pepper on top for added flavor.
Notes
- Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable to avoid overpowering the garlic flavor.
- To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente during simmering, as it will finish cooking with the cheese and broccoli.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or light cream for the milk.
- Freshly grated garlic provides more flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest consistency.
Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/creamy-broccoli-pasta-recipe/
