Zesty Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – A Family Favorite

Bubbling with creamy goodness, this irresistible cheese pasta with broccoli delivers comfort straight to your plate.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Tender broccoli florets dance alongside melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Sharp cheddar melts into silky strands of pasta, coating each noodle with rich, tangy richness.

Green vegetables add a subtle crunch and nutritional boost to this classic dish.

Families and hungry individuals alike will devour this quick and delectable meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

One forkful promises to transport you to a world of cheesy, vegetable-packed bliss.

Tools That Help You Nail Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with enough space to move freely.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing broccoli.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise vegetable cutting.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and creating the cheese sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir ingredients and mix pasta with sauce.
• Measuring cup: Useful for pasta water and ensuring correct liquid amounts.
• Cheese grater or vegetable peeler: Optional for shaving broccoli into thin pieces.

Cooking Up a Perfect Batch of Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Water Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, seasoning generously with salt for maximum flavor depth.

• Pasta Foundation

Drop pasta into bubbling water, cooking until tender yet slightly firm, creating the perfect al dente texture. Set aside a cup of starchy cooking liquid for later magic.

• Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet, introducing diced onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow onions to become translucent and release their sweet essence.

• Broccoli Transformation

Gently fold shaved broccoli into the skillet, creating a vibrant green canvas. Introduce a pat of butter to enhance richness and develop deeper flavors.

• Creamy Fusion

Crumble Boursin cheese into the skillet, blending with reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid as needed.

• Final Symphony

Combine pasta with the dreamy sauce, letting everything mingle for a couple of minutes. Brighten the dish with a zesty splash of lemon juice and an extra dance of red pepper flakes for a perfect finish.

Smart Adjustments for Better Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• The starchy reserved liquid helps bind sauce perfectly, creating a silky smooth texture that clings beautifully to every pasta strand.
• Replace Boursin with creamy goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for different flavor profiles that complement the broccoli's earthy notes.
• Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to transform this simple dish into a hearty main course with extra protein.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like roasted cauliflower, tender asparagus, or wilted spinach to increase nutritional value and create exciting texture contrasts.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for mild warmth or intense heat, letting each person customize their personal spice experience right at the table.

How to Serve Cheese Pasta with Broccoli That Pops

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Transform this cheesy pasta into a comforting main dish that brings everyone around the table, offering warm and satisfying flavors perfect for weeknight meals.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays creamy and flavorful, easily reheated in a microwave with a quick stir.
• Elegant Dinner Party Side: Elevate the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, or crispy pancetta crumbles to add texture and sophistication for more upscale dining experiences.
• Quick Protein Boost Option: Enhance the nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes on top, transforming the pasta into a complete and balanced meal with extra protein.

Tips to Store and Enjoy Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Later

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore its silky texture.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain the cheese's smooth consistency. Add a little extra pasta water or milk to revive the sauce's creaminess.
• Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended due to the delicate cheese and dairy-based sauce. Boursin tends to separate and lose its luxurious texture when frozen, potentially resulting in a grainy, unappetizing meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately – cook pasta, chop broccoli, and dice onions – and store in separate containers. Combine fresh when ready to eat for the best flavor and texture, keeping ingredients crisp and vibrant.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 468 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into That Creamy Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

• Malfadine Pasta: Wide, ruffled pasta that catches creamy sauces perfectly; choose high-quality Italian brands for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté ingredients smoothly; extra virgin provides the most robust taste.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor; select firm, glossy onions without soft spots.
• Broccoli: Adds nutritious green crunch and earthy taste; look for bright green, tightly packed florets without yellowing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color; adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Boursin Garlic & Herb Cheese: Delivers luxurious, herb-infused creaminess; select fresh packages with intact seals.
• Salted Butter: Enhances richness and provides silky texture; European-style butters offer deeper flavor.
• Lemon: Brightens overall dish with tangy freshness; choose firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all flavors; freshly ground pepper recommended.

Creamy Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade cheese pasta with broccoli celebrates comfort and nutrition in one delightful dish. Italian-inspired ingredients blend creamy textures with green vegetable goodness for a satisfying meal you can easily master in your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (16 oz) malfadine pasta
• 4 cups broccoli, shaved (about 1 head)
• 2 packages (5.2 oz) boursin garlic & herb cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• salt (kosher), to taste
• pepper (black), to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse pasta in vigorously boiling, generously salted water, cooking until perfectly al dente with a slight resistance when bitten, roughly 8-10 minutes. Reserve some starchy cooking liquid for sauce enhancement.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and sauté finely diced onions with red pepper flakes, coaxing out their sweet essence until translucent and softened, creating a fragrant base.
3. Vegetable Integration: Introduce delicately chopped broccoli florets to the skillet, quickly sautéing to maintain their vibrant emerald color and crisp texture. Incorporate cold butter to establish a luxurious sauce foundation.
4. Cheese Fusion: Crumble Boursin cheese into the skillet, gradually blending reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce. Adjust liquid proportions to achieve ideal consistency, stirring continuously for a uniform texture.
5. Final Composition: Tenderly fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, allowing brief simmering to marry flavors. Elevate the dish with a zesty lemon juice splash and an additional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a tantalizing flavor profile.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Water: Save the starchy cooking liquid before draining, as it helps create a smooth, silky sauce and helps cheese blend perfectly with pasta.
• Broccoli Texture Tip: Quickly sauté broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking which makes vegetables mushy and dull.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Crumble Boursin cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping, ensuring a creamy and uniform sauce consistency.
• Flavor Balancing Trick: Add fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes at the end to brighten the dish, cutting through the richness of cheese and providing a zesty, aromatic finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 468
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg