Print

30-Minute Creamy Broccoli Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite

creamy broccoli pasta

Creamy broccoli shell pasta with cheesy sauce – a quick vegetarian comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz medium shell pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook shell pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  8. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if preferred

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy broccoli pasta, cheesy shell pasta, broccoli pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta dinner, comfort food pasta, easy weeknight pasta