One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 lb. fusilli
- 1 medium head broccoli
cut into small florets
- 3 1/2 c. water
- 2 c. half-and-half
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 c. shredded cheddar
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
- 1
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- 2
Add pasta and broccoli, then stir in water and half-and-half. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, 12 to 14 minutes.
- 3
Add cheeses and stir until melted.
One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 14 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of spending your precious weeknights washing a stack of pots and pans? This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe is your answer, delivering creamy, comforting goodness with minimal effort and cleanup. It's the ultimate hassle-free dinner that tastes like you put in all the work.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta lies in its brilliant simplicity. By cooking the pasta and broccoli together in a creamy mixture of water and half-and-half, you infuse every strand of fusilli with rich flavor while ensuring the broccoli florets become perfectly tender-crisp. The result is an incredibly cohesive dish where the cheesy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making it far more satisfying than separate components.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. You'll find yourself diving into a bowl of perfectly cooked fusilli swathed in a luxurious, velvety sauce, bursting with the sharp tang of cheddar and the nutty depth of Parmesan. The tender broccoli florets provide a welcome pop of vibrant green and a subtle earthy sweetness that balances the rich cheese. It's comfort food at its best, surprisingly elegant for how easy it is to prepare.
Customization & Variations
This one-pot wonder is incredibly versatile. For added protein, consider stirring in cooked, shredded chicken or browned Italian sausage links at the end. If you prefer a bolder cheese profile, swap a portion of the cheddar for Gruyere or a sharp white cheddar. You can also experiment with different short pasta shapes like rotini or penne if fusilli isn't on hand.
Serving & Context
This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta is ideal for a busy weeknight family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or anytime you crave a deeply satisfying, no-fuss meal. Serve it simply on its own, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or alongside a crisp green salad to round out the meal.