Description
This Quick Broccoli Pasta recipe is a creamy and cheesy delight that’s perfect for a fast, comforting meal. Combining tender pasta and fresh broccoli with a rich cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce, it’s an easy stovetop dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. The velvety sauce is thickened with cornstarch and seasoned with onion and garlic for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces medium pasta (such as penne or rotini, approx 3 cups dry)
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium)
- 1 cup light cream
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling pasta water. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli well without rinsing, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same saucepan, combine the chicken broth, light cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously until it boils and thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Remove the thickened sauce from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and integrated. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Light cream keeps the sauce rich but lower in fat compared to heavy cream; you can adjust as desired.
- Shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan provide a balanced cheesy flavor; feel free to use freshly grated cheese for best results.
- Use a whisk when cooking the sauce to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Add the broccoli toward the end of pasta cooking to keep it bright green and tender-crisp.
