There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta—and when you add tender broccoli and a homemade cheese sauce, you’ve got a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and family-friendly. This broccoli cheese pasta is a delicious way to sneak in veggies while still serving up a dish that everyone at the table will devour.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the kind of cozy, creamy pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or even a meatless Monday meal. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta (Easy Family Favorite)

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Pasta

This cheesy broccoli pasta is not only rich and creamy—it’s made entirely from scratch using real ingredients. No canned soup or processed cheese here.

Perfect balance of indulgent and nutritious with creamy cheese sauce and fresh broccoli.
Easy to customize with different pasta shapes or cheese blends.
Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.
A comforting meatless meal that still feels hearty.
Comes together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.

Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for the week, or just craving some creamy comfort food, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
4 cups water (for boiling)
1 teaspoon salt

For the Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (adds a slight smokiness)

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped broccoli and season with salt. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the broccoli is just tender but still bright green. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Add mustard powder (if using), salt, black pepper, and paprika. Lower the heat, then stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Add the sautéed broccoli and mix until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with optional toppings like extra shredded cheese, red pepper flakes, or crispy breadcrumbs.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these easy swaps:

Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and flour.
Add more veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas.

Storage & Reheating

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

To Freeze:
You can freeze this pasta, but note the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and pat it dry before sautéing to prevent excess water in the dish.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work best to hold the sauce, but fettuccine or spaghetti also work.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Make it ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk before serving.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, though full-fat non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew) works best for creaminess.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use whole milk and freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

What does mustard powder do?

It enhances the cheesy flavor and adds subtle depth—totally optional but recommended.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Absolutely—grilled chicken, bacon bits, or ground turkey are all delicious additions.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Don’t overheat the cheese. Stir it in once the sauce is thickened and reduce heat to low.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! The mild cheese flavor and soft pasta make it a hit with kids of all ages.

Conclusion

This creamy broccoli cheese pasta is comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and an irresistible cheese sauce that pulls it all together. It’s a great way to get your greens while still indulging in something warm, cozy, and satisfying.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this pasta recipe is bound to become a staple in your home.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta (Easy Family Favorite)

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Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender broccoli and a creamy homemade cheese sauce. This easy, kid-friendly recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy meatless meal.

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Sauté broccoli: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Cook garlic for 30 seconds, add broccoli and salt, and sauté until tender. Set aside.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add mustard, salt, pepper, paprika. Stir in cheese until melted.
Combine: Add pasta to cheese sauce and stir in broccoli. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Serve: Top with extra cheese or seasonings and enjoy hot.