Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta

$- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works great) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, you need a few basic tools: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A colander for draining - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - A knife and cutting board for chopping garlic and parsley You can adjust the recipe to your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor - Use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variety - Include other veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of your chosen pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook it according to the package directions. When you have about 2 to 3 minutes left, toss in the 2 cups of broccoli florets. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. After that, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside in a large bowl. In the same pot, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Next, lower the heat a bit. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well. Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the pot. Gently toss everything together. You want the pasta and broccoli coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the dish heat through for a minute or two. Serve it right away. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheese pasta! To get that smooth and creamy sauce, start with heavy cream. This makes a rich base. Heat it gently to avoid burning. Once warm, slowly stir in your cheeses. I like a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for depth. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully into the cream. This helps blend everything together well. Serve your creamy broccoli cheese pasta in wide bowls. This makes it look nice and allows for easy mixing. Top with extra cheese for a cheesy boost. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread! It’s perfect for dipping into the sauce. You can swap some ingredients if needed. For pasta, try gluten-free options or whole wheat. If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Cheddar is great, but you can use mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. Fresh parsley adds color, but dried herbs work too if that’s what you have. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly after draining, so avoid overcooking it. Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli florets. Frozen broccoli can be used, but may result in a softer texture. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese combinations! Try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the classic cheddar flavor. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu works great. Cook the protein first, then mix it in with the pasta and broccoli. For chicken, grill or sauté it, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, cook them until pink and tender. If you go with tofu, pan-fry it until golden. Each option adds flavor and fills you up. Spice up your pasta with simple flavor boosts. Try adding lemon juice for a fresh zing. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a briny touch. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Experiment with these flavors to find your perfect mix. Cheese is the star of this dish, so feel free to mix it up. While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Gouda or fontina can add a rich, smoky flavor. For a sharper taste, add some blue cheese or feta. Mix and match different cheeses for a unique twist each time you make it. After enjoying your creamy broccoli cheese pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it up. Place it in the fridge, where it will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it's warmed through. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the pan to keep it creamy. Heat it on low, stirring frequently. This helps avoid burning the cheese. If you want to save your creamy broccoli cheese pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pot with pasta. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes. This way, it will heat through and stay bright green. Frozen broccoli works well and saves time. Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese are great choices. Cheddar gives a rich flavor. Parmesan adds depth and a salty taste. You can mix them for a creamier sauce. Feel free to try other cheeses, too, like mozzarella or gouda, for a fun twist. Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now, like rice or chickpea pasta. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Just ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free. Enjoy a tasty meal that fits your needs! We explored essential ingredients, equipment, and how to customize your dish. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for a creamy texture. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers properly. Creating this meal is easy and rewarding. Experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can enjoy this dish your way! Now get cooking and share your tasty results!$

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with broccoli and cheese.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the pot, gently tossing everything together until the pasta and broccoli are coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the pasta to heat through for a minute or two.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an added color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in wide pasta bowls with extra grated cheese on top and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color. A slice of crusty bread on the side would complement the dish beautifully!

Keyword broccoli, cheese, creamy, pasta