Healthy Vegetarian Pasta with Creamy Cheese Sauce
This easy broccoli and cheese pasta is creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. A family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes using pantry staples and fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: mustard powder, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Add broccoli during last 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in seasonings, then remove from heat and add cheese. Mix until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and broccoli with cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh-shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Add cooked chicken or white beans for extra protein.
- Reheats well with a splash of milk.