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To make creamy broccoli cheddar pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz (about 225g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne, fusilli) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a different option. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Try other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda if you prefer. - Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for more flavor. - For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. Choosing the right broccoli is key for this dish. Here are my best tips: - Look for firm, bright green florets. They should feel tight and not wilted. - Avoid yellowing or browning florets, as they indicate age. - Check the stems; they should be crisp and not soft. - Try to buy organic if possible, as they often taste better. - Store broccoli in the fridge and use it within a few days for the best flavor. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add 8 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook the pasta as the package says until it is al dente. With three minutes left, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. When the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them. Set them aside, but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Use the same pot for the next step to keep the flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Stir it often. You want it fragrant but not brown. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir it from time to time. Add the reserved pasta water slowly until you reach the creaminess you like. Now it’s time to add the cheese! Lower the heat and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Taste your sauce and add salt, pepper, or 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Finally, gently mix the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to coat everything in that creamy goodness. Enjoy! To reach that perfect creaminess in your pasta, use heavy cream. This thick cream adds a rich texture. Also, add reserved pasta water gradually. This helps adjust the sauce’s thickness. If you want a lighter option, consider using half-and-half. Mixing it with a bit of cream can work well, too. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This can turn your dish mushy. Always cook until al dente. Another mistake is adding cheese too soon. Wait until your sauce simmers. This way, the cheese melts smoothly, making the sauce velvety. Lastly, don’t skip the salt when cooking pasta. It enhances the flavor of your dish. Serve your creamy pasta in deep bowls. This keeps it warm longer. For extra flair, add a few broccoli florets on top. A sprinkle of extra cheese can make it look fancy. Pair it with a side salad for a fresh touch. A crisp green salad balances the richness of the pasta. Enjoy your meal with friends or family for a cozy dinner! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your creamy broccoli cheddar pasta. Chicken or shrimp work well. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces until cooked. For shrimp, cook them in the pan until they turn pink. Add the cooked protein to the pasta right before serving. This makes your meal more filling and adds flavor. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider using beans or lentils. Chickpeas or white beans add protein and texture. You can also toss in firm tofu for a hearty bite. Just sauté the beans or tofu with garlic before mixing them into the pasta. This keeps the dish satisfying without meat. Cheese is key to this recipe. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can try other options. Gouda adds a smoky flavor, while mozzarella gives a stretchy texture. For a tangy kick, use goat cheese. Mix and match cheeses for a unique taste. Remember, the creaminess comes from both cheese and heavy cream, so feel free to experiment! To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. I recommend using a glass container for better storage. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This will help restore the creamy texture. Heat until warmed through, stirring often. Your creamy pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, best to toss it out. Yes, you can make this pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and broccoli, then prepare the cheese sauce. Combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta fresh and creamy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. This pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh garden salad adds color and crunch. - Roasted chicken or shrimp for extra protein. - Steamed vegetables for more nutrients. These sides will make your meal more filling and balanced. You can easily make this dish healthier with a few simple swaps: - Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. - Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. - Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Reduce cheese or choose a low-fat version. These changes can help boost nutrition without losing flavor. This guide covered everything you need for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. From the full ingredient list to tips on selecting the freshest broccoli, I aimed to help you succeed. You learned step-by-step how to cook the dish and avoid common mistakes. We also explored tasty variations and smart storage tips. Enjoy making this dish your own, and remember, this pasta is not just comforting; it’s a way to add veggies to your meal. Happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy broccoli cheddar pasta that brings comfort to your table in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce that you won't be able to resist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple. Click through to explore the step-by-step guide and elevate your pasta night today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook as directed on the package until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot. When finished, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside, ensuring to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.

    Sauté Garlic: In the same pot used for the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.

      Make the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream over the sautéed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until you achieve your desired level of creaminess.

        Add Cheese: Once the sauce is simmering, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and, if desired, the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

          Combine with Pasta & Broccoli: Gently add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are fully coated in the velvety sauce.

            Final Taste Check: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding additional salt or pepper as needed.

              Serve & Garnish: Dish out the pasta into serving bowls while it’s still hot. For a touch of fresh flavor and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For a delightful finishing touch, consider serving the pasta in deep bowls and placing a few extra broccoli florets on top for a vibrant look, alongside a sprinkle of extra cheese. Enjoy your creamy creation!