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

Description

A creamy and delicious Broccoli Cheese Pasta dish that’s easy to prepare in one skillet. Loaded with fresh broccoli, tender pasta, and a mix of melty cheeses, this comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

Liquid and Seasonings

- 2 cups (480 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (242 g) half-and-half
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Other Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Cook Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
Prepare Sauce Mixture: Pour in the chicken broth, half-and-half, garlic powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add Pasta and Broccoli: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the pasta and the broccoli florets, stirring to combine. Make sure your pasta is completely submerged in the mixture. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally, about 9-10 minutes.
Stir in Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of Muenster cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
Top with Remaining Cheese: Top the pasta with the remaining ½ cup of Muenster cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Cover for 5 minutes and heat until cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch but may require less cooking time.
For additional protein, add cooked diced chicken or crumbled bacon to the dish.
Adjust the amount of garlic powder and salt to taste, depending on the flavor of your chicken broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 75mg