Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Pasta

$- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne or fusilli works great) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a creamy, cheesy dish. The pasta forms the base. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. The garlic gives a nice flavor. Vegetable broth helps the pasta cook well. Cheddar cheese brings the creaminess. Onion powder and paprika add depth. Salt and pepper round it all out. - 2 tablespoons cream cheese Adding cream cheese makes the dish even richer. It blends well with the cheddar. This step is not required, but it enhances texture. If you like creamier pasta, I suggest using it. - Fresh parsley, chopped Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also brightens the flavor. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. This simple step makes your dish look and taste great! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell nice, not burn. Now, it's time for the pasta. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta to the pot. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and pepper. Stir it all up. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be halfway done. Next, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check the pasta; it should be al dente, and the broccoli should be tender. Once done, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. If you like it creamy, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Mix until everything melts and blends well. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. To get the best pasta texture, cook it al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. This keeps it from getting mushy in the pot. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. If you like your pasta softer, cook it a minute longer. Seasoning makes a big difference in taste. Use salt and pepper to bring out the flavor. Add a teaspoon of onion powder for depth. Paprika adds a nice warmth. If you want more zing, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor. One-pot meals save time and make cleanup easy. Start with a large pot to fit everything. Heat the oil before adding garlic. This helps release its flavor. Add the pasta and broth together. This way, the pasta cooks in the broth's flavor. When you finish cooking, stir in the cheese off the heat. This keeps it creamy and smooth. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Ensure you cook the pasta al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat. Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy flavor, consider mixing in a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda along with the cheddar. Broccoli Boost: To enhance the flavor of the broccoli, you can briefly steam it before adding it to the pasta, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and nutrients. Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese to add new flavors. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. Gruyère gives a nutty flavor. For a sharp bite, use pepper jack. Each cheese melts differently, so pick one you enjoy. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage works great. Tofu is a good choice for a vegetarian option. Simply add it when you mix in the cheese for best results. You can boost nutrition with more veggies. Spinach or kale adds color and health. Carrots or bell peppers bring crunch and sweetness. Just chop them small and add them with the broccoli for even cooking. After you enjoy your one-pot broccoli cheddar pasta, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, scoop out the pasta into a pot. Add a splash of water or broth. Heat over low until warm. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If you want to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The pasta will expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and cuts prep work. Simply add it in when you add the pasta to the pot. Cook it for the last few minutes. This gives it time to heat through and soften. Frozen broccoli is a great choice for busy days. You can use many pasta types. Penne and fusilli work well because they hold sauce nicely. You can also try rotini, shells, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Look for pasta that cooks in about 10-12 minutes. This dish is already vegetarian when you use vegetable broth. To keep it vegetarian, skip the cream cheese if you prefer a lighter dish. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This adds flavor and nutrition without losing any of the taste. This blog post covered everything you need to know for a great dish. We started with a list of ingredients, including options for creaminess and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, from sautéing garlic to adding broccoli. You learned tips for perfect pasta, how to enhance flavor, and easy storage methods. Lastly, we explored variations to suit your taste. Try these ideas to make your meals fun and tasty! Happy cooking!$

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with tender broccoli florets, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the pasta to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is halfway cooked.
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Add cream cheese for extra creaminess if desired.

Keyword broccoli, cheese, pasta, quick meal