I’ve made this Creamy Broccoli Pasta more times than I can count, and every single time, I fall in love with it all over again. It’s the kind of recipe that comforts you on a cold day, yet feels light and fresh thanks to those tender broccoli florets. The sauce? Oh, it’s dreamy. Velvety, cheesy, and garlicky with just the right amount of creaminess that wraps itself around each piece of pasta.
What I love most is how quick and easy it is. There’s no stress involved, no hard-to-find ingredients or complicated steps. This dish is perfect for weeknights when I want something satisfying on the table fast, but also want it to taste like it took hours to prepare. I always have pasta, broccoli, garlic, and cheese on hand, which makes this recipe a no-brainer. Sometimes, I even double the batch because leftovers are just as good the next day.
Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding my family or having a few friends over, everyone asks for seconds. And I secretly love that it’s packed with veggies, but feels indulgent and cozy like a proper comfort food should. It’s one of those meals that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. If you’re into creamy pasta dishes, this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Pasta
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta has that perfect blend of rich and refreshing. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta shells, while the broccoli adds that vibrant pop of color and freshness. It’s fast, it’s affordable, and it’s endlessly customizable. You can keep it vegetarian or add in some grilled chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein. Best of all, it’s a one-pot dish with easy cleanup.
If you love comforting pasta dinners like my Creamy Beef and Shells or the ultra-satisfying Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, you’re going to be obsessed with this one too.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta (shells work beautifully for this) and cook according to the package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This lets them cook until just tender but still bright green. Once both are ready, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same pot or a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot and toss gently to coat everything in the luscious cream sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for extra depth.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Top with a bit more Parmesan, cracked pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
This dish is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of cream cheese for richness. Switch out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Love spice? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili oil.
Want to add protein? Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, plus nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese for the same savory notes. You can also swap the pasta for gluten-free options without sacrificing taste or texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta is lovely all on its own, but it also shines as part of a larger meal. I often serve it with a crisp side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side takes it to comfort food heaven. For a heartier plate, add a simple protein like grilled chicken breast or baked salmon. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon is a great way to round out the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and revive the texture. The microwave works fine too, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just add the frozen broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water a couple of minutes before the pasta is done. It will cook quickly and still turn out tender.
What type of pasta works best?
Shells, penne, fusilli, or rotini are all great options because they hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. You can use what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Boil the pasta and broccoli, and store them separately from the sauce. Combine and reheat everything just before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The creamy, cheesy sauce makes the broccoli more appealing to kids, and the small pasta shapes are easy for little hands to manage.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your cheese and cream are certified gluten-free.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re craving more pasta dishes that blend creaminess with comfort, you should absolutely try my Creamy Beef and Shells. It has all the heartiness of a classic family favorite and comes together fast on busy nights. Another dish I keep in regular rotation is this savory Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s ultra-satisfying and perfect for when you want something meaty and indulgent.
For something a little different but equally satisfying, the Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is rich, bubbly, and full of flavor straight from the oven. Each of these dishes pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a crusty bread roll, just like the Creamy Broccoli Pasta does.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Loved this Creamy Broccoli Pasta? Don’t forget to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily the next time you’re craving comfort in a bowl. Share it with friends and family on Facebook, or email the link to someone who needs an easy dinner idea tonight. Recipes like this are meant to be shared, and you’ll be surprised how many people will ask you for the recipe after just one bite!
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender pasta shells and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a family-friendly, weeknight staple that’s both nourishing and indulgent. The velvety texture of the sauce clings to every bite, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that can be made in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for vegetarians or customizable with added protein like chicken or shrimp, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for an easy, satisfying meal with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells (or penne, fusilli, rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pot. Cook until both pasta and broccoli are tender. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot. Toss everything to coat in the sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh.
- Swap out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- For added protein, mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
