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- 10 oz of pasta (fusilli or penne) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great dish. Here, you need just a few simple items to make this creamy pasta. You’ll start with 10 oz of pasta. Fusilli or penne works best for this recipe. Next, grab 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. They add a nice crunch and nutrition. Then, you need 4 cups of vegetable broth. This broth gives flavor and moisture to the pasta. For the creamy aspect, use 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Both options will work well. You also want 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Grate it yourself for the best melt. Now, let’s talk seasonings. You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic for a fragrant base. For extra flavor, use onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices will enhance the dish. These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty meal. Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking. Enjoy the process! First, grab a large pot and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one to two minutes. You want it to smell great but not turn brown. Next, add the dry pasta and two cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything together well. Now, pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Season with half a teaspoon of onion powder, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir once more to mix all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente and the broccoli to be tender. After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in one cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Stir until it blends smoothly. Gradually add one and a half cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your dish is nearly ready! To get a creamy sauce, stir continuously while adding cheese. This keeps the cheese from clumping. Start with a low heat as you add the cheese. Mix it in slowly. This helps the cheese melt evenly, making a smooth sauce. If you notice clumps forming, use a whisk. Whisking breaks them apart quickly. You can also add a splash of cream to help. This will keep your sauce silky and rich. Timing is key for perfect pasta and broccoli. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but not mushy. Stir it every few minutes to prevent sticking. To enhance flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than powdered. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, too. Garnishing can make your dish look even better. Top your pasta with extra cheddar cheese for richness. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. A sprinkle of black pepper gives a nice finish. Try adding toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. They add texture and flavor. Enjoy getting creative with your toppings! {{image_2}} You can boost your One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. - Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken. Add it in the last few minutes to warm through. - Shrimp: Add raw shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and add a nice flavor. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cubed. Sauté it first for a crispy texture before adding it to the pot. Adjust cooking times to ensure your protein is fully cooked and safe to eat. Feel free to mix in other veggies for added nutrition and flavor. - Spinach: Add fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrients. - Carrots: Shredded carrots cook quickly and add sweetness. - Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli if you prefer. You can use seasonal vegetables to keep your dish fresh and exciting. This dish is easy to modify for different diets. - Vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese. - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. - Nut-Free: Most cheese options are nut-free, but check labels to be sure. These changes let anyone enjoy this creamy pasta dish! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it without any garnishes. The pasta will stay good for about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to bring back its creaminess. You can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and broccoli, then cool them separately. Store them in airtight containers. This way, you can combine them with the sauce fresh when you're ready to eat. It saves time on busy days and keeps the flavors bright. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan. For the cheese, use a plant-based cheese. Choose a brand that melts well. For the cream, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Both provide creaminess without dairy. Cooking pasta in this dish takes about 10-12 minutes. You will cook it until it's al dente. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Make sure to check the pasta for doneness as cooking times can vary. This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, too. This blog post shared a simple recipe for One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. You learned how to combine pasta, broccoli, and creamy cheese for a delicious dish. I provided tips for making the sauce extra creamy and offered variations to fit different diets. Remember, you can store leftovers for future meals or prep ingredients ahead of time. Enjoy this tasty meal that you can easily customize. Cooking this dish will impress both yourself and your family!

One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a rich, cheesy dish packed with fresh broccoli and flavored with garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one pot meal minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Ready to delight your taste buds? Click through to get the full recipe and start cooking up this creamy masterpiece tonight!
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Ingredients
  

10 oz (about 280g) pasta of choice (fusilli or penne work well)

2 cups broccoli florets

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk

1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish: extra cheddar cheese, black pepper, or fresh parsley

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

    Add the dry pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir to combine.

      Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.

        Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir until well combined.

          Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

            Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese, black pepper, or fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4