Cheesy Creamy Broccoli Pasta (Print-Friendly)
A comforting 20-minute pasta featuring tender broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce with three hidden vegetables the whole family will love.
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons butter
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
500g fresh broccoli, chopped
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Cheese
06 -
2 cups heavy cream
07 -
225g mozzarella cheese, shredded
08 -
225g parmesan cheese, grated
09 -
120ml pasta water
→ Pasta
10 -
450g ditalini pasta
# Steps:
01 -
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
02 -
Stir in chopped broccoli and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt.
03 -
Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 -
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120ml of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
07 -
Serve the creamy broccoli pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish contains three hidden vegetables, making it nutrient-dense while maintaining comfort food appeal.
02 -
Total preparation and cooking time is under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.