If you’re craving a comforting, yet veggie-packed meal that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is absolutely your go-to. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something quick but still special — rich, cheesy, and perfectly saucy with tender broccoli woven through every bite. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to make this creamy broccoli pasta that never disappoints!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for an easy, accessible meal.
Balanced Flavors: The slight bite of garlic and onion complements the creamy, cheesy sauce beautifully.
Perfect Texture: Tender broccoli adds freshness and crunch, contrasting the silky pasta and sauce.
Quick and Flexible: Ready in about 20 minutes, great for weeknights or when you want comfort food without fuss.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, cheesy broccoli pasta dish, quick vegetable pasta - A large white pot with blue handles is filled with small tube pasta and small green broccoli pieces mixed in a thick, creamy white sauce with visible black pepper specks, all stirred by a wooden spoon standing upright in the pot, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft pink background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this creamy broccoli pasta lies in how these ingredients blend together — creamy dairy, fragrant aromatics, and crisp-tender broccoli make each forkful a delight. When you’re shopping, pick fresh, firm broccoli and a good quality Parmesan for the best flavor.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, cheesy broccoli pasta dish, quick vegetable pasta - Flat lay of a small pat of fresh yellow butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole unpeeled yellow onion, vibrant green broccoli florets, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a block of fresh mozzarella cheese, a wedge of parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and uncooked ditalini pasta scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and a velvety base for sautéing your aromatics.
Olive oil: Balances butter and helps prevent it from burning, also adds subtle fruity notes.
Yellow Onion: Sweetness and depth come from the slow sautéed onion.
Fresh Broccoli: Gives bite and green freshness — don’t overcook to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.
Garlic: Essential for that savory kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Heavy Cream: The heart of the “creamy” in our Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe, it makes the sauce lush and indulgent.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, stringy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce as it melts into the pasta.
Pasta water: A secret weapon — the starchy water binds the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
Ditalini Pasta: Small, tubular pasta that holds sauce well and cooks quickly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this dish depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t be shy about making it your own! Whether you want it lighter, cheesier, or with a flavor punch, the creamy broccoli pasta recipe is super adaptable.

Variation: Sometimes I swap mozzarella for fontina or gouda for a smokier twist — it’s delicious and melts just as well.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese alternatives; be sure to check the melting qualities.
Add Protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas bulk it up nicely when I’m feeling extra hungry.
Seasonal swaps: Swap broccoli for asparagus or peas in spring for a fresh change.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté gently until the onions turn translucent and soft — around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key because slowly coaxing out the sweetness from the onions and the punch from the garlic creates a flavor base that carries the whole dish. Make sure you don’t rush this — patience here pays off big time!

Step 2: Cook Broccoli Just Right

Next, add your chopped broccoli to the skillet and sauté for about 5 more minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a bright green color and a slight snap — overcooking will leave it mushy and dull. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt here to help season and soften the broccoli evenly.

Step 3: Make It Luxuriously Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything gently to a simmer. Lower the heat and add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring consistently until it melts into a smooth, stretchy sauce. This step requires a bit of love — don’t rush it, or the cheese might clump instead of melting perfectly. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Al Dente and Combine

Meanwhile, cook your ditalini pasta per package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid is gold for making the sauce cling to every noodle. Toss the drained pasta into the creamy broccoli mixture, pour in the pasta water, and gently mix everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

Remove your skillet from heat, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a lovely nuttiness. Serve immediately — heap on extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper if you want to really bring it home. It’s best warm, cozy, and fresh from the pan!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Don’t Rush Sautéing: Taking your time with the garlic and onion deepens flavor — resist turning up heat too high.
Keep Broccoli Crunchy: Check doneness early; it should be tender but still have a little bite for best texture.
Use Pasta Water Wisely: The starchy water helps the sauce stick and keeps the dish silky — don’t skip it!
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stir Parmesan in off the heat for a smooth sauce; too much heat can make it clump.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, cheesy broccoli pasta dish, quick vegetable pasta - A white bowl with a blue rim holds a creamy pasta dish made with small tube-shaped pasta mixed with small green broccoli pieces. The pasta is covered in a white, thick sauce, speckled throughout with black pepper. A gold spoon is placed on the right side of the bowl, partially resting in the pasta. Behind the bowl, there is a large blue pan filled with the same creamy pasta and broccoli mixture. The dish is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a twist of freshly ground black pepper — simple but it elevates the whole dish. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the richness.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully here to cut through the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a classic side that helps mop up any leftover sauce — trust me, you don’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in shallow bowls and top with toasted breadcrumbs and freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley to add texture and color. You could also bake it briefly under the broiler with extra cheese for a crispy golden crust — it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the sauce can thicken overnight, adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating works wonders to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta can be tricky because the texture might change, but if you want to try, freeze it without the Parmesan cheese, then stir that in fresh after thawing and reheating. Personally, I find it tastes best fresh or reheated from the fridge rather than frozen.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. Stir frequently to avoid scorching and to revive that creamy consistency I love so much. Microwaving works but can dry it out if you’re not careful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini is great for holding sauce, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it up. Adding liquid gradually helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency without watering down flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and vegan cheeses that melt well. Keep in mind the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
What’s the best way to reheat this creamy pasta?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of cream or pasta water added. This prevents the sauce from drying out or curdling and keeps your creamy broccoli pasta tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This creamy broccoli pasta recipe is such a satisfying dish I always feel proud serving it — it’s a perfect balance of comfort and veggies, plus it’s quick enough to make any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s a feel-good meal that’s pretty hard to beat. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your kitchen favorites like it is for me!