Why make this recipe
Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a delicious meal that combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with rich cheeses and creamy sauce. It is a great way to get in some veggies while enjoying a comforting dish. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and the whole family will love it. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you can find easily, making it a go-to choice for any pasta lover.
How to make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 500 g Fresh Broccoli (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
- 16 oz Ditalini Pasta
Directions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy!
How to serve Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Serve the Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta hot. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. If you want, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
How to store Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Feel free to use other pasta shapes if Ditalini is not available.
- Add more vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
- If you like a little crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or by substituting the pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the recipe.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This dish is already vegetarian! Just ensure that your cheese is rennet-free if you want it to be strictly vegetarian.
3. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when you are ready to eat. Just remember to reheat gently.
Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 each Yellow Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 500 g Fresh Broccoli (chopped)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Parmesan Cheese (grated)
For the pasta
- 16 oz Ditalini Pasta
- 1/2 cup Pasta water Reserved from cooking the pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the pasta
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
Serving
- Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.