Name: Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon Butter; 2 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 cups Heavy Cream; 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated; ½ cup Pasta water (reserved); 16 oz Ditalini Pasta; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s both hearty and fresh, you’re going to love this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender broccoli, rich creamy sauce, and gooey cheese in a way that feels indulgent but still wholesome—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail this flavorful, cheesy wonder every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic complements the slight bitterness of broccoli, creating a harmonious base for the creamy sauce.
Creamy Texture without Overload: Using both heavy cream and pasta water helps achieve a luscious sauce that clings perfectly without feeling too heavy.
Cheese Trio Magic: Mozzarella melts smoothly while Parmesan adds sharpness and depth—together they elevate every bite.
Quick and Reliable: With just about 20 minutes total cook time, this recipe is practical for busy days yet impressive enough to share with guests.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, cheesy broccoli pasta, easy broccoli pasta dinner, quick vegetarian pasta - A large white pot with blue handles is filled with small tube pasta and small green broccoli pieces mixed in a thick, creamy white sauce with visible black pepper specks, all stirred by a wooden spoon standing upright in the pot, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft pink background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe plays a special role, creating layers of flavor and a luscious texture. Using fresh broccoli keeps things vibrant while the combination of butter and olive oil lends a rich but balanced start to the sauce.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, cheesy broccoli pasta, easy broccoli pasta dinner, quick vegetarian pasta - Flat lay of a small pat of fresh yellow butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole unpeeled yellow onion, vibrant green broccoli florets, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a block of fresh mozzarella cheese, a wedge of parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and uncooked ditalini pasta scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the sharpness of the garlic and onion.
Olive oil: Balances butter with a lighter fruitiness and raises the smoke point for sautéing.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent.
Fresh broccoli: Offers a nice bite and fresh green color—chop into bite-sized florets for an even cook.
Garlic: Gives a savory punch that flavors the entire sauce.
Heavy cream: Key to a creamy, indulgent sauce that’s still smooth and fresh.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, making the sauce gooey without overpowering the broccoli.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that brightens the pasta.
Pasta water: Starchy water is a game-changer, helping to loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta effortlessly.
Ditalini pasta: Its small, tube shape holds sauce nicely—feel free to swap for any bite-size pasta you like.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with the base of this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It’s all about making it feel homemade and tailored to what you enjoy most. Feel free to swap cheeses or toss in your favorite fresh herbs to give it a personalized twist.

Variation: I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that pairs amazingly with the creamy sauce.
Dairy-Free: For a non-dairy version, use coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative – it turns out surprisingly indulgent!
Protein Boost: Sometimes I’ll toss in grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to make it more filling.
Seasonal Touch: Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans when in season for a fresh change.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting butter with olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking gently until the onions are translucent and soft—around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for your sauce. Don’t rush it! Season lightly with salt here to draw out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli and Sauté Until Vibrant

Next, stir in your chopped broccoli. Cook it for about 5 minutes just until it’s tender but still bright green. This balance keeps the broccoli fresh and crunchy enough to contrast the creamy sauce. Sprinkle a little more salt to season evenly—this step really helps the broccoli release its flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer to warm through. Now the magic happens: add shredded mozzarella while stirring constantly. You want the cheese to melt smoothly so the sauce becomes luscious and silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper here. The sauce might look thick, but the reserved pasta water coming up will loosen it perfectly.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine

While you’re working on the sauce, cook your pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s like secret sauce gold! Toss the drained pasta straight into the skillet with your creamy broccoli sauce, adding the pasta water as needed. Gently toss to coat everything in that dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

Finally, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until it melts in and adds a peek of nuttiness and depth. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper on top. Trust me, this is when your kitchen starts smelling incredibly inviting!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Leaving it slightly firm keeps the pasta interesting and prevents a mushy dish.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded, avoiding a grainy sauce texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and stick it to your noodles beautifully.
Season Gradually: Adding salt in stages ensures your sauce stays balanced without becoming too salty.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, cheesy broccoli pasta, easy broccoli pasta dinner, quick vegetarian pasta - A white bowl with a blue rim holds a creamy pasta dish made with small tube-shaped pasta mixed with small green broccoli pieces. The pasta is covered in a white, thick sauce, speckled throughout with black pepper. A gold spoon is placed on the right side of the bowl, partially resting in the pasta. Behind the bowl, there is a large blue pan filled with the same creamy pasta and broccoli mixture. The dish is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a little freshly grated Parmesan right before serving and a pop of cracked black pepper. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil—it adds a wonderful crunch and freshness that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted cherry tomatoes. If you want something extra, garlic bread or a crusty baguette really rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with tiny broccoli florets and a sprinkle of microgreens on top. It looks colorful and inviting. Or try layering in a clear glass baking dish and broil briefly with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden crust—like a broccoli mac and cheese spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover creamy broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it without extra Parmesan on top to prevent drying out, and add fresh cheese when reheating.

Freezing

This pasta freezes okay, but cream sauces can sometimes separate. If you want to freeze it, stir in a bit of milk or cream when reheating to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. I’ve done this a few times and it still tastes great after a quick sauté.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water, stirring frequently. This prevents curdling or drying and keeps it tasting fresh and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli in this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess water in your sauce. Cooking time might be slightly shorter since frozen broccoli is often pre-cooked.
What type of pasta works best?

Small shapes like ditalini, penne, or shells work wonderfully since they hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the butter and cream with plant-based versions, such as vegan butter and coconut or cashew cream. Use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan to keep the cheesy vibe without dairy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats well and can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or dinners during the week. Just reheat gently to maintain that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe has become my go-to when I want comfort without too much fuss. It’s got that perfect combo of creamy cheesy goodness and fresh greens, and I always feel good about serving it whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute craving fix. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that feels special without needing a ton of effort. I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a spot in your recipe box too!