Ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with a twist? Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner is a creamy, dreamy bowl of pasta that brings together sharp cheddar, tender broccoli florets, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce for pure joy in every bite. It’s an easy, one-pot masterpiece that satisfies both weeknight cravings and those special moments when you just need something cozy and nourishing.

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner are a handful of tasty, accessible ingredients—every single one plays a starring role in the flavor, creaminess, or color that makes this dish so memorable. This isn’t just a throw-together pasta; each component brings its own magic.

Pasta (16 oz, penne, shells, or rigatoni): Choose a sturdy, shape-hugging noodle to soak up the cheese sauce and offer a hearty bite.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Adds a burst of green color and a subtle, earthy freshness that’s a perfect contrast with all that cheese.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Lays the foundation for a rich, creamy roux—don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce just right without making it heavy, so every forkful clings with flavor.
Half-and-Half or Mix of Milk and Cream (2 ½ cups): You want creamy, but not overwhelming—this combo is the secret to the silky-smooth texture.
Softened Cream Cheese (⅓ cup): Melts effortlessly into the sauce, giving it extra body and tang while staying beautifully smooth.
Chicken Bouillon Granules (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch boosts the savory flavor—swap for veggie bouillon if needed!
Nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon, freshly grated): That pinch of classic warmth ties the sauce together—you’ll notice the subtle difference.
White Pepper & Mustard Powder (¼ teaspoon, mixed): White pepper brings a gentle heat and the mustard powder sharpens the cheese flavor beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (16 oz, freshly grated): The real star—grating fresh makes all the difference for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): It wouldn’t be dinner without them—season as you go for the best results.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner

Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook just until al dente. For maximum efficiency, toss in the broccoli florets during the last minute of cooking. The broccoli cooks quickly, turning bright green and perfectly tender without getting mushy. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside—it’s a secret weapon for making the sauce the perfect consistency later on!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large saucepan over medium and melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about a minute—this step cooks out the raw flavor and builds a rich, golden roux. Slowly pour in the half-and-half (or your milk and cream mix), whisking as you go to keep things smooth. Let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens to a luscious, coat-your-spoon consistency.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Flavor Boosters

Turn the heat down low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and silky. Next, stir in the chicken bouillon, a pinch of nutmeg, and the white pepper-mustard powder mixture. This is where the Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner gets its deep, cozy flavor—don’t skip these little touches!

Step 4: Melt in Cheddar Cheese

Take the sauce off the heat and, working a handful at a time, stir in your freshly grated sharp cheddar. Stir gently until it’s smooth and velvety—this keeps the cheese from seizing or turning gritty. You’ll know it’s ready when it gleams with cheesy goodness and smells absolutely amazing!

Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve

Fold the drained pasta and broccoli right into the cheesy sauce, tossing to completely coat every nook and cranny. If the sauce feels thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner warm and creamy, because truly, that first bite is irresistible.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cheddar or a shower of finely chopped parsley can take this dish to the next level. For a little zip, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon over the top—both will brighten up the richness in a snap.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner is a satisfying one-bowl meal, but it’s hard to resist pairing it with a crisp green salad, some buttered garlic bread, or even roasted veggies for a colorful feast. Everything tastes better with a little something on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in an oven-safe dish, top with a layer of cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish—a fun twist that makes it dinner-party worthy. Or, scoop portions into small ramekins for individual servings at a potluck or cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (not always easy!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheesy sauce will thicken a bit, but the classic flavor of Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner remains absolutely delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, creamy sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy. If you do freeze, wrap your portions tightly and thaw slowly in the refrigerator—just note that the texture may change slightly. For best results, enjoy fresh within a few days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and regain that original silkiness. Stir well, taste, and add a pinch more salt or pepper, if needed, to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just add the frozen broccoli in the last minute or two of pasta cooking, just like fresh. No need to thaw—just be sure to drain well so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

What’s the best pasta shape for Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner?

Medium shapes like penne, shells, or rigatoni are perfect since they hold plenty of sauce and let bits of broccoli cling to every bite. But honestly, use whatever pasta you love or have on hand!

Can I add protein to make it a heartier meal?

Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp at the end for a fantastic one-bowl meal. Chickpeas or tofu also work beautifully for a vegetarian protein boost.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

No worries—use any combination of milk and cream, or even whole milk alone for a slightly lighter version. The creamy texture will still make this a dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner.

How can I prevent my cheese sauce from turning grainy?

Always use freshly grated cheese and add it off the heat, stirring until just melted. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect smoothness, so grating fresh is your secret weapon for a velvety finish.

Final Thoughts

If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food with a wholesome twist, this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner is bound to become a new favorite. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot—go ahead, give it a try and share the cozy goodness with family and friends tonight!

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

16 oz medium pasta such as penne, shells, or rigatoni

Cheese Sauce:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and cream
⅓ cup softened cream cheese
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon white pepper mixed with mustard powder
16 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last minute. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in half-and-half until thickened. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in bouillon, nutmeg, and pepper-mustard mixture. Remove from heat and gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.