The Ultimate Creamy Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Cheese pasta with broccoli reinvents ordinary ingredients into a delightful culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Creamy and green, this combination promises a nutritious meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutritional powerhouses merge seamlessly, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Each forkful brings a perfect blend of comfort and freshness, elevating simple ingredients to something spectacular.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together, making it a weeknight savior for busy families.

Vibrant and satisfying, this dish offers a clever way to sneak extra vegetables into a crowd-pleasing recipe.

How to Make a Creamy Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Set aside of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced onions with salt and red pepper flakes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Butter

Introduce shaved broccoli to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes. Stir in butter to create a rich, velvety base.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Add Boursin cheese and of reserved pasta water. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, gradually adding more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Brighten the dish with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

Tips for Perfecting Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente by tasting it during cooking, providing the ideal texture that complements the creamy sauce.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect smooth, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Shave Broccoli Strategically: Use a sharp knife to thinly slice broccoli for quick cooking and even distribution throughout the dish.
• Balance Cheese Melting: Remove the pan from heat when adding Boursin to prevent burning and create a velvety, uniform sauce.
• Elevate Final Flavors: Finish with a bright squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add depth and zesty complexity to the creamy pasta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers of Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Storage: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Cheese-based sauces can separate when chilled, so store pasta and sauce together to maintain texture and flavor.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The broccoli and pasta will remain fresh and tasty when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and break up any clumps. Microwave works as a quick alternative, but stir every 30 seconds and add liquid to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency and prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.

Best Pairings for Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy Boursin cheese and complement the zesty lemon juice.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread brushed with garlic butter provides a perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, velvety pasta texture.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing element.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Herb-seasoned roasted chicken breast offers a lean protein that harmonizes with the pasta's creamy sauce and bright broccoli notes.

Fun Variations on Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Green Goddess Pasta: Swap Boursin for cream cheese and blend in fresh basil, parsley, and chives for a herbaceous kick.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace red pepper flakes with jalapeños, add cumin, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Use feta cheese instead of Boursin, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power Boost: Stir in grilled chicken or crispy pancetta to transform the vegetarian dish into a protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger.

Cheese Pasta with Broccoli: A Comforting, Cheesy Meal

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This pasta dish delivers creamy, satisfying flavors in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Customize Your dish: The flexible recipe allows easy ingredient swaps like different cheeses or vegetables, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and what's in your refrigerator.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from cheese and pasta, fiber from broccoli, and balanced nutrients, this meal provides a wholesome dining experience that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating goals.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: By using techniques like sautéing and creating a smooth sauce, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses without complicated cooking skills.

Ingredients for the Best Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Pasta: Classic base for this creamy cheese dish, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and bright color to the pasta.
• Boursin Cheese: Creamy, herbed cheese that creates a smooth, rich sauce.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and subtle sweetness to the base of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and provides a rich, smooth cooking base.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance overall flavor with a touch of heat and seasoning.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh acidity to balance the rich cheese sauce.

Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese pasta with broccoli delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Silky noodles blend perfectly with sharp cheese and crisp green florets, promising a quick, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound (8 ounces) malfadine pasta
• 4 cups shaved broccoli (about 1 head)
• 2 packages (5.2 ounces each) Boursin garlic & herb cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully set aside of the starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté finely chopped onions with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Add thinly shaved or finely chopped broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain vibrant green and retain a slight crunch. Introduce cold butter to create a silky base for the sauce.
4. Crumble the creamy Boursin cheese into the skillet and gradually incorporate approximately of reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.
5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the luxurious sauce, allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes and absorb the rich flavors. Finish the dish with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

Notes

• Cooking tip: Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cheese trick: Let Boursin cheese sit at room temperature for easier blending into the sauce.
• Broccoli hack: Shave broccoli thinly for quicker cooking and better sauce integration.
• Liquid magic: Pasta water is the secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
• Flavor boost: A final sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg