Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww”? I feel you. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge while the “I’m hungry” chorus starts up.
That’s why this Broccoli and Cheese Creamy Pasta is my weeknight superhero. It’s the ultimate peace treaty for the dinner table. It looks and feels like a treat, but it’s secretly packed with a veggie my kids usually side-eye. For another kid-approved broccoli hit, try these flaky broccoli and cheese puff pastry pinwheels.
I promise, this isn’t a fancy, complicated recipe. It’s the cozy, cheesy, one-pot wonder that saved my sanity. Let’s make a dinner everyone will actually finish.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American/Comfort Food
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
This dish works magic for a few simple reasons. First, it’s familiar. It’s basically a veggie-loaded hug in a bowl that feels like mac and cheese.
The broccoli gets soft and blends right into the creamy sauce. For a super cautious eater, you can even chop the florets super small. The cheese flavor is the star, and who can say no to that?
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple. You probably have most of this already. No fancy grocery trips needed!
- 1 pound shell pasta (or any short shape you have)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more excited to eat. Here are two safe, easy jobs.
For little helpers (ages 3+): Let them break the broccoli into small florets. It’s fun and tactile! They can also help measure and pour the shredded cheese.
For bigger kids (ages 7+): They can stir the sauce as it thickens (with supervision) and help mix the finished pasta and broccoli together in the big pot.
Broccoli and Cheese Creamy Pasta Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli and Cheese Creamy Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. We’ll cook the pasta and broccoli together to save time and dishes. My kind of cooking!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Now, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot with the pasta. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Drain everything together and set aside.
- In the same pot (see? one pot!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it smells a bit nutty.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and the sauce is super smooth.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the cheesy sauce. Gently stir until everything is beautifully coated and warm.
- Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if you like. Serve immediately while it’s wonderfully creamy!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to tweak this dish to make it a perfect fit for yours.
For the ultra-sensitive kid: Serve the cheesy sauce on the side as a dip for the plain pasta and broccoli. Sometimes, control is everything.
To power up the veggies: Stir in a handful of frozen peas or diced carrots with the broccoli.
For the adults or adventurous eaters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in some cooked, chopped bacon or shredded chicken at the end. If you love a creamy chicken pasta, this creamy spinach and chicken slow cooker pasta is another fantastic option.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This makes fantastic leftovers for lunch or a second easy dinner.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills.
To reheat, add a small splash of milk to a portion in a bowl or pot. Microwave or warm on the stove, stirring often, until creamy again. It’s a total lifesaver.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a comfort food, it’s got some good stuff going on! Here’s the simple breakdown.
- Protein & Calcium: Thanks to all that cheese and milk, this dish is a great source for growing kids.
- Fiber & Vitamins: The broccoli adds vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber to help digestion.
- Customizable: You can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber or lower-fat milk and cheese if you prefer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! No need to thaw. Just add the frozen florets to the pasta pot for the last 5-6 minutes of cooking. It works like a charm.
My sauce seems too thick. What did I do wrong?
Nothing! Sauces thicken as they cool. Just stir in a little extra warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s back to your perfect creamy consistency.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The method stays exactly the same.
So there you have it—my not-so-secret weapon for a happy, quiet dinner table. It’s cheesy, comforting, and gives you that little win of getting a green veggie into the meal. If you’re craving another rich and satisfying pasta dish, you must try this classic creamy beef and shells recipe.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
