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One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of creamy penne broccoli pasta served in a white bowl on a wooden surface.
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Make this easy, creamy broccoli pasta in one pot for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 large head of fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is fully melted and creamy.
  6. Serve immediately as a quick, light pasta dinner.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add one more clove of minced garlic during the last five minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe works well with frozen broccoli florets; add them directly to the pot with the dry pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/broccoli-pasta/