Name: Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion; 500 g fresh broccoli, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 oz parmesan cheese, grated; 16 oz ditalini pasta; ½ cup reserved pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, 2 teaspoons (divided); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 47 reviews

If you’re after a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, vibrant broccoli with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes the kind of dinner you crave over and over again. Plus, it’s actually pretty simple to pull together, even on busy weeknights. Let’s dive in and I’ll share some tips to make sure your creamy broccoli pasta turns out perfectly every time!

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Creaminess: The heavy cream melted with mozzarella creates a silky sauce without being too heavy.
Fresh Broccoli Texture: Sautéing broccoli just enough keeps it tender-crisp with gorgeous color and flavor.
Perfect Pasta Coating: A bit of reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly to every piece of pasta.
Cheesy Depth: Parmesan added at the end amps up that nutty, savory vibe for a truly irresistible dish.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, vegan broccoli pasta, healthy pasta with broccoli - A large white pot with blue handles is filled with small tube pasta and small green broccoli pieces mixed in a thick, creamy white sauce with visible black pepper specks, all stirred by a wooden spoon standing upright in the pot, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft pink background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and keeping the texture inviting—plus, shopping is a breeze when you know what to look for!

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, vegan broccoli pasta, healthy pasta with broccoli - Flat lay of a small pat of fresh yellow butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole unpeeled yellow onion, vibrant green broccoli florets, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a block of fresh mozzarella cheese, a wedge of parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and uncooked ditalini pasta scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic and onions as they sauté.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that raises the smoke point when combined with butter and keeps flavors bright.
Yellow Onion: Provides sweet depth once softened, balancing out the creaminess with a savory base.
Fresh Broccoli: Look for firm stalks with vibrant green florets—freshness here means better texture and flavor.
Garlic: Always a star in creamy sauces, it gives a punch of aromatic savoriness.
Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious sauce that is velvety without splitting or getting greasy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create silky texture with gentle stretch.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, finishing the dish with an umami kick.
Pasta Water: A secret weapon—starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta so it’s not watery or dry.
Ditalini Pasta: This small, tube-shaped pasta catches every bit of sauce and broccoli—feel free to swap it for your favorite short pasta shape.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is. It’s a perfect base to tweak and personalize depending on your cravings or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the mozzarella for fontina or gouda for a different melting texture and deeper flavor.
Dairy-Free Upgrade: Use coconut cream and a vegan cheese substitute to maintain creaminess without dairy.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and brightness.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic for a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Flavor Base

First things first, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. This combo prevents butter from burning while giving a rich flavor. Toss in your diced yellow onion and minced garlic—cooking them gently for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. The key here is low and slow so nothing browns too much—that’s how you get that sweet, mellow base layer without bitterness. Don’t forget to season with a teaspoon of salt to draw out moisture and build flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli Just Right

Next, add in your chopped fresh broccoli. Giving it about 5 minutes in the pan lets it soften just enough to be tender but still crisp and bright green—not mushy. This part really matters because overcooked broccoli loses its charm and color. Season with another teaspoon of salt here to help the broccoli cook evenly and enhance its natural flavor.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour your heavy cream into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously so the cheese melts smoothly into the cream without clumping. The slow melt creates that irresistible silky texture that coats the pasta later. At this point, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste—remember the flavors will concentrate, so taste often.

Step 4: Cook Pasta & Save the Water

While your sauce is coming together, cook the ditalini pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Cooking it perfectly ensures the pasta holds texture and doesn’t get soggy once mixed with the sauce. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the starchy pasta water. That liquid is pure gold for loosening and binding the sauce later.

Step 5: Marry Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece, then pour in that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get a luscious texture that clings without pooling. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir again to melt and incorporate that nutty parmesan magic.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

This pasta is best enjoyed right away while it’s still warm and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper if you like. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this creamy broccoli pasta recipe is a keeper.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook Broccoli: I always set a timer to avoid mushy broccoli; slight crunch makes a big difference.
Reserve Pasta Water: Always keep some pasta water—it’s the secret to a smooth, clingy sauce.
Slow Melt Cheese: Take your time stirring mozzarella into the hot cream for the best silky texture.
Season Gradually: Salt and pepper in stages—so you don’t accidentally over-salt the whole dish.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Pasta, creamy broccoli pasta recipe, easy broccoli pasta, vegan broccoli pasta, healthy pasta with broccoli - A white bowl with a blue rim holds a creamy pasta dish made with small tube-shaped pasta mixed with small green broccoli pieces. The pasta is covered in a white, thick sauce, speckled throughout with black pepper. A gold spoon is placed on the right side of the bowl, partially resting in the pasta. Behind the bowl, there is a large blue pan filled with the same creamy pasta and broccoli mixture. The dish is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping things simple here: a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a dash of cracked black pepper, and sometimes a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add another layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley also brighten up the dish beautifully and add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough always makes an appearance at my table—nothing beats soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this creamy broccoli pasta in shallow white bowls and top with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy touch. Another fun idea is to stuff the pasta and sauce into ovenproof dishes, add extra cheese on top, and bake briefly for a golden crust—the taste is like a gooey broccoli mac and cheese upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I’ve got leftovers, I pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up. Leftovers usually keep well for up to 3 days, but honestly, I rarely have any since everyone loves this pasta so much!

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the cream sauce can separate when thawed, but if you want to, freeze it without the cheese topping and add fresh Parmesan when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir gently while warming to help restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheating is best done gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Microwave works too, but heat in short bursts and stir in between so it heats evenly without curdling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the pan to avoid excess water diluting the sauce and making it watery.
What pasta substitutes work well?

Ditalini works great here because it holds sauce well, but you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente to keep the best texture.
How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, replace mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite vegan cheese options, and use olive oil instead of butter. The creaminess won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and comforting.
Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?

You can chop the broccoli and onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Also, grate cheeses in advance to save time when cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s cozy without being too heavy, packed with veggies yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s quick, forgiving, and infinitely tasty. I hope you give it a try soon and that it becomes your new favorite as well—just like it did for me and all my guests!