Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! There's no need to thaw it first, but you may want to add it a couple of minutes after the pasta starts cooking since frozen broccoli tends to cook more quickly than fresh. This ensures your broccoli won't become mushy while waiting for the pasta to finish cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, and you'll still get that wonderful depth of flavor in your sauce.

My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong?

Don't worry! The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly. If you'd like a thicker sauce immediately, try cooking uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more cheese to help bind everything together.

Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! This recipe works well with many quick-cooking vegetables. Try adding fresh spinach in the last minute of cooking, or sautéed mushrooms along with the onions. Just be mindful of vegetables that release a lot of water, as they may thin your sauce.

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Name: Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 2 cups (480 g) chicken broth; 1 cup (242 g) half-and-half; 3 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 8 ounces Gemelli pasta; 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (about 1 pound); 1 cup (113 g) Muenster cheese, shredded, divided; 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; parsley, chopped for garnish

This creamy, dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen! In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will make everyone at your table ask for seconds. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have all evening to cook!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family-Friendly Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and pasta is universally loved, while the broccoli adds nutrition without overwhelming the dish.
Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll spend less than 30 minutes making this dish – perfect for those nights when you’re running on empty.
Versatile Base: This recipe works beautifully as written, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to what you have in your fridge or pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates the rich, flavorful base for the sauce. The slight saltiness complements the cheese perfectly.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet depth of flavor that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the sauce and infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks.
Half-and-half: Brings creaminess without making the sauce too heavy. It creates that silky texture we all crave.
Garlic powder: Provides that essential savory note without the work of mincing fresh garlic.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish – don’t skip it!
Gemelli pasta: This twisted shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. The texture is just perfect for this dish.
Fresh broccoli: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Muenster cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a mild, buttery quality to the sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Adds that classic tangy cheese flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch and a pop of color.

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.

Variations

Protein Additions

Add cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor. Simply stir in 1-2 cups of your cooked protein of choice before adding the cheese.

Veggie Swap

No broccoli? Try cauliflower, peas, or asparagus instead. The technique works with most quick-cooking vegetables.

Cheese Options

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of cream cheese can create delicious variations.

Pasta Possibilities

While Gemelli works wonderfully, this recipe adapts well to other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, half-and-half, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the pasta and broccoli florets, giving everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for about 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Stir in half of the Muenster cheese and half of the sharp cheddar until melted and incorporated into the sauce. The mixture will begin to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely into a gorgeous, gooey layer.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright finish. Serve warm, straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Before Cooking: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking – this dish comes together quickly!
Pasta Cooking: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks – different brands may require slightly different cooking times.
Broccoli Size Matters: Cut broccoli into small, even-sized florets so they cook in the same amount of time as the pasta.
Cheese Grating: For the creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Watch the Liquid: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce.

Bread Sides

A crusty piece of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra cheese sauce left on your plate.

Wine Suggestion

If you’re making this for a grown-up dinner, try serving it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled.

Freezing

While this pasta can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power with a tablespoon of milk, stirring halfway through heating.

For best results, save a bit of extra grated cheese to sprinkle on top when reheating – it refreshes the cheesy flavor wonderfully!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it first, but you may want to add it a couple of minutes after the pasta starts cooking since frozen broccoli tends to cook more quickly than fresh. This ensures your broccoli won’t become mushy while waiting for the pasta to finish cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll still get that wonderful depth of flavor in your sauce.
My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong?

Don’t worry! The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly. If you’d like a thicker sauce immediately, try cooking uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more cheese to help bind everything together.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! This recipe works well with many quick-cooking vegetables. Try adding fresh spinach in the last minute of cooking, or sautéed mushrooms along with the onions. Just be mindful of vegetables that release a lot of water, as they may thin your sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I love how it brings together the nostalgic flavors of creamy mac and cheese with nutritious broccoli in a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike. Next time you’re tempted to reach for takeout on a busy weeknight, give this recipe a try instead – I promise it will come together just as quickly and leave everyone at your table much happier!