If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal to brighten your busy weeknights, look no further than this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe. It’s an absolute gem combining tender pasta, bright green broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce that wraps everything in creamy goodness. Whether you’re feeding kids or grown-ups, this dish hits all the right notes—nutrition, comfort, and simplicity, all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making a spectacular Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance in taste, texture, and color, ensuring a dish that’s both delightful and satisfying.
- Pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite type like elbow macaroni or penne; it’s the hearty foundation that soaks up the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a vibrant green crunch and a burst of nutrition that complements the creamy cheese.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect velvety consistency.
- Milk (2 cups): Creamy and mild, it melds the ingredients together into a luscious sauce.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Sharp, melty, and oh-so-cheesy—this is what makes the dish irresistible.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (optional, ½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor that partners wonderfully with the broccoli and cheese.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. About halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets so they steam and soften together. This simple step ensures your broccoli stays bright and tender-crisp without losing its vibrant color.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta and broccoli cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking gently for about a minute to avoid any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, allowing the mixture to thicken into a silky béchamel sauce—the creamy heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings
Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly with the sauce. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if you’re using it. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, cheesy dream.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli well and return them to the pot or a serving dish. Pour the velvety cheese sauce over the top and gently toss everything to combine evenly. The pasta and broccoli should be thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
Step 5: Final Touches
Give a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little extra cheesy pull, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar on top. This is also a perfect moment to add freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of paprika for a gentle kick. Serve immediately while everything is warm and gooey.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant finish, toss a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. These bright green herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light dusting of parmesan cheese lends an extra layer of cheesiness and a crisp finish.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner shines as the star of your meal, but pairing it with a crisp side salad adds a refreshing balance. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of velvety cheese sauce—utterly irresistible accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve this dish in individual ramekins and broil with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a little golden crunch. Or try layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top and baking until bubbly and browned. Another fun twist is mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even swapping the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to spice things up—the options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging in some comforting Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days and tastes just as cozy when reheated, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to two months, though the texture of the broccoli might soften a bit. For best results, cool the pasta completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and wrap tightly. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for gentle reheating that preserves flavor and creaminess.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess without drying out the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. This easy reheating process keeps your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner just as tempting the next day.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it to the pasta a little earlier while cooking so it has time to thaw and soften properly.
What types of cheese work best for this dish?
Cheddar is classic for its sharpness and melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors and textures.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use cheese without animal rennet and vegetable-based stock if you decide to add any broth.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make wonderful protein additions that complement the cheesy broccoli pasta beautifully.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe, I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of vibrant broccoli that makes eating veggies a joy rather than a chore. The best part? It’s so quick to prepare on those hectic evenings when you crave something comforting and satisfying. So grab your favorite pasta, some fresh broccoli, and your sharpest cheddar, and let’s get cooking—your new family favorite awaits!
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Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner is a quick, delicious, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce to create a dish that pleases both kids and adults. Ideal for sneaking in vegetables, it can be served with a light salad or crusty garlic bread and customized with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to lightly steam them together. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce, folding gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy broccoli cheese pasta into bowls or onto plates. Serve immediately with optional sides like a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a more flavorful cheese sauce, or try mixing cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a twist.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Add cooked grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for added protein.
- For vegetarian option, ensure the cheese used is free of animal rennet.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.
