Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a simple and hearty meal that’s easy to whip up for weeknight dinners. This affordable recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
There’s nothing quite as comforting as creamy, cheesy pasta! This creamy broccoli pasta recipe is packed with tasty parmesan cheese and tender broccoli, and it has a subtle crunch in every bite thanks to the addition of chopped walnuts.
On busy weeknights, this easy 30 minute meal is a life-saving recipe that the whole family is sure to love –– not to mention it’s a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies too.
What I love most about pasta is that it is simple yet so versatile. There are endless ways to personalize it with different ingredients, sauces, and toppings. In addition to this recipe for pasta with broccoli, some of my other favorite pasta recipes include fontina spinach pasta, shrimp pasta caprese, and this kid-friendly take on Italian pasta.
Why you will love this recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Simple and affordable ingredients
- Easy weeknight dinner
How to make perfect Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Prepare the broccoli. Remove the broccoli stem and chop into florets. Cook the broccoli until the desired level of tenderness has been reached.
Saute the onion and garlic. Start by chopping the onion into small pieces, then season with salt and sauté until translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue sauteing for one minute until fragrant.
Combine the sauce ingredients. After removing the pan from the heat, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, ground pepper, and chopped walnuts. Stir until fully combined, then fold in the cooked broccoli.
Cook the pasta. For best results, salt the water and follow the package instructions.
Mix cooked and drained pasta with the prepared sauce. It may be necessary to reheat the sauce for a few minutes before combining it with the noodles. Add extra parmesan and ground pepper to taste before serving.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Pasta: Any short-grain pasta will work well for this creamy broccoli pasta recipe. Some of my favorite short-grain pasta options include farfalle, penne, and rigatoni.
Parmesan cheese: I highly recommend using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese will result in a melty sauce, while pre-shredded cheese can turn the sauce grainy.
Broccoli: I prefer to use fresh broccoli for this recipe, but frozen broccoli can be used as an alternative as long as it’s cooked before being added to the pasta.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch to every bite, as well as extra flavor.
Variations for Creamy Broccoli Pasta
One of my favorite things about this simple recipe is how easily it can be adjusted. Here are some optional additions that will take this creamy pasta to the next level.
- Red pepper flakes. Adding red pepper flakes will bring the heat up for anyone who loves spicy flavors.
- Lemon juice. Lemon will enhance and brighten the flavor of this dish. A little bit goes a long way!
- Chicken. Not only is this ingredient a great way to add some protein, but it also pairs incredibly well with broccoli and creamy pasta sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
How to cook broccoli for pasta?
Broccoli should be steamed or boiled until the desired level of tenderness is reached. I prefer to cook broccoli in boiling water for four minutes, or until it is tender enough for me to poke through with a fork.
One thing to keep in mind though is that the exact amount of time needed will depend on how large or small the broccoli pieces are.
How do I store leftover broccoli pasta?
Leftover pasta with broccoli can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The best way to reheat any leftovers of this dish is on the stove with a little bit of olive oil or water added for moisture.
What goes well with creamy broccoli pasta?
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe can be enjoyed on its own but will also taste delicious served with a green salad, a side of garlic bread, or some savory cheddar biscuits.
How do I make my pasta sauce creamier?
To adjust the consistency of the pasta sauce, I recommend reserving a small amount of pasta water when draining the noodles. Adding a tiny bit of pasta water can help make a thick sauce slightly creamier, all while still preserving the rich flavor.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cup short dry pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 clove garlic cloves
- 1 small onion
- 1 head broccoli head
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Remove the broccoli stem and chop its head into florets. Cook them in a steamer or into boiling water until your preferred tenderness. In my case, I cooked it in boiling water for four minutes. Drain water and set aside.
- Chop the onion into small pieces. Then heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan and sauté onion until translucent, season with salt. Next, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and add cream cheese, heavy cream, grated parmesan, ground pepper, and chopped walnuts. Stir to combine. Fold in cooked broccoli. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta following its package instructions.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain it and combine it with the prepared sauce. Note: you may need to re-heat the sauce before mixing it with the pasta.
- Serve warm with extra parmesan and ground pepper.
Notes
- Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. Then, reheat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or water to moisten the pasta.
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