Go Back

Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

A comforting dish combining penne pasta with creamy sauces and vibrant broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broccoli
  • 8 oz penne pasta Slightly ridged to capture sauce.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh and vibrant.
Cream Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream Luxuriously smooth.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp and melts beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Enhances depth of flavor.
Flavoring Ingredients
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and fragrant.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Heart-healthy fat.
  • 1 tsp salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds a gentle kick.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for a hint of heat.
Garnish
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Adding Broccoli
  1. When there are 3 minutes left for the pasta to cook, add the broccoli florets.
Draining
  1. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and let them rest.
Sautéing Garlic
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
Creating Creamy Sauce
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until the cream thickens slightly.
Melt in Cheese
  1. Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until both are melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
Seasoning
  1. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Optional Baked Version
  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Optional gluten-free and vegan alternatives are available.