Description
This creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta and fresh broccoli coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces medium pasta (such as penne or rotini, approx 3 cups dry)
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth (not low sodium)
- 1 cup light cream
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente according to package directions. Add broccoli to the pasta water for the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain well (do not rinse pasta) and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Combine broth, cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic salt in the saucepan and mix well. Bring to a simmer over medium heat while whisking until it comes to a boil and thickens.
- Combine: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Toss with broccoli and pasta and season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by modifying the amount of cornstarch.
- Feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg