Dinner

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Bylina Carter February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

Introduction

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender broccoli and a rich cheese sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to make. You’ll love how the creamy texture pairs with the pasta for a delightful meal.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta mixed with small pieces of green broccoli, the pasta is tubular and light beige, covered in a smooth white sauce with black pepper specks sprinkled on top. A gold spoon holds a scoop of the pasta and broccoli mixture above the bowl, the spoon handle extends to the right. In the blurred background, there is a larger white bowl filled with the same dish sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Olive oil

1 Yellow Onion, diced
500 g Fresh Broccoli, chopped

4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 cups Heavy Cream

8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
8 oz Parmesan Cheese, grated
½ cup Pasta water (reserved from cooking)

16 oz Ditalini Pasta
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then sauté until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2: Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Add another teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
Substitute mozzarella with fontina or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to make the dish more filling.
Use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni if ditalini is unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.