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Cheese and broccoli pasta recipe
Andrea

Best Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Recipe 2024

Learn how to make the best Cheese and Broccoli Pasta recipe of 2024 with our easy guide. This dish features perfectly cooked pasta, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce that blends together for a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a delicious, cheesy pasta dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 350 grams short pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
  • 300 grams broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • 150 grams sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 10 grams fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1.  Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
  4. Reserve 120 ml of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
  5.  Prepare the Sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  6. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Combine Ingredients. Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
  10. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  11. Season and Serve. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  12. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Variations

  1. Different Pasta Shapes:
    • Swap the short pasta for other shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or shells to change the texture and presentation of the dish.
  2. Add Protein:
    • Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for added protein. Simply sauté the meat and mix it in with the pasta and cheese sauce.
  3. Use Different Cheeses:
    • Experiment with different cheese combinations. Try using mozzarella, Fontina, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can enhance the creaminess and taste.
  4. Creamy Pesto Version:
    • Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto along with the cheese for a fresh, herby flavor. This adds a vibrant color and taste to the dish.
  5. Vegetable Medley:
    • Add other vegetables such as spinach, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and flavor. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
  6. Spicy Kick:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy version that adds a bit of heat.
  7. Baked Version:
    • After mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Lemon Zest:
    • Add the zest of a lemon to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
  9. Garlic and Herb Infusion:
    • Sauté minced garlic and fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) in the olive oil before adding the cream to infuse the sauce with additional flavor.
  10. Nutty Flavor:
    • Top the dish with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheese.