There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights. This dish brings together tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a dreamy, velvety cheese sauce—all in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re wrangling the family, catching up after work, or simply craving something cozy without fuss, this pasta checks every box. It’s speedy, satisfying, and brimming with flavor, making it a truly irresistible weeknight staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of humble ingredients to pull together Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights. Don’t let their simplicity fool you—each one plays a starring role in bringing richness, color, and irresistible texture to the table. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to make each element shine!):
- Pasta (8 ounces penne or rotini): These short shapes are perfect for catching all that luscious cheese sauce—choose whole wheat or gluten-free if you like!
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Bright green broccoli adds crunch, nutrition, and color; cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Extra-virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic goes a long way, giving tons of aromatic depth to your creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This is your sauce-thickening hero—cook it briefly to eliminate any raw taste.
- Milk (1½ cups): Whole or low-fat milk both work, adding body and silkiness to the cheesy base.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Cheddar brings a bold, melty punch—sharp or mild, your call!
- Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup): Just a sprinkle adds a nutty, savory finish that rounds out the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors into balance; taste as you go.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a little kick for those who love heat—totally adjustable to your preference.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Parsley not only looks gorgeous but adds a burst of herbal freshness at the very end.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Let it cook until nearly al dente—about 2–3 minutes before the package’s recommended time is up, toss in the broccoli florets right alongside. This clever, one-pot approach ensures the broccoli turns a tender shade of green while keeping clean-up easy. Once both are cooked, drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your pasta and broccoli are draining, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sauté for just about a minute—enough to draw out all that bold, fragrant aroma without letting it brown. The kitchen will start to smell irresistible right away!
Step 3: Make Your Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sizzling garlic and stir constantly for a minute. This quick move cooks out any raw flour taste and starts the base for your creamy cheese sauce. Don’t rush—giving the flour a full minute here makes the final sauce beautifully smooth.
Step 4: Whisk in the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go. This method prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly. Keep stirring over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon. It’s almost magical watching it go from milk-white to wonderfully glossy.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and stir in your shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This is where the magic really happens—the color deepens, the texture turns silky, and the aroma is almost impossible to resist!
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to your skillet of luscious cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly—making sure each bite gets a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and bright green veggies. Let the pasta simmer for another two minutes to ensure everything is warmed through.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Taste and season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love some heat. Just before serving, sprinkle over the fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights is now ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Garnishes
Garnish your piping hot bowls with a shower of extra Parmesan, a snip of fresh parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice will take the flavors even further, making each bite vibrant and bright.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even a quick tomato bruschetta. The creamy nature of Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights pairs beautifully with tangy or crunchy accompaniments, creating that perfect balance on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual gratin dishes sprinkled with extra cheddar for a bubbly finish under the broiler, or pile it high in a big family bowl for a cozy, communal vibe. You could even toss in cooked chicken or chickpeas before serving for extra protein, making Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights even more filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it an ideal take-to-work or next-day lunch option.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, portion the completely cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to enjoy within two months for peak flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the cheese sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing, but a splash of milk during reheating brings it right back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Heat gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often for even warming—this helps restore the sauce’s creamy consistency without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh broccoli isn’t on hand, thawed and well-drained frozen broccoli will work beautifully. Just add it directly to the pasta a minute or two before it’s done cooking, so it warms through without becoming mushy.
What type Main Course
Short shapes like penne or rotini are perfect for Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights because they hold sauce well and make each bite wonderfully creamy. That said, feel free to experiment—fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells are fun options, too!
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or even a can of drained chickpeas at the end for an extra protein boost. This makes Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights even heartier and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The rest of the recipe stays unchanged, so you can enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness regardless of dietary needs.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?
The secret is to lower the heat before adding your cheese and stir constantly until it’s just melted. High heat or overcooking can cause the cheese to separate, so gentle heat creates that dreamy, silky sauce every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, comforting, and lightning-quick, Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights might just earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy all the cheerful, cheesy goodness—it’s sure to bring smiles to any table!
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Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and satisfying Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This quick and easy recipe combines tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a cheesy sauce for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 3 minutes. Drain.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, season.
- Combine and Serve: Mix pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Cook briefly, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Swap whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—thaw and drain before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
