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To make this creamy dish, gather these key items: - 10 oz pasta (fusilli or penne works best) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste You can add some fun touches with these garnishes: - Additional cheddar cheese - A sprinkle of black pepper - Chopped fresh parsley If you want to switch things up, consider these swaps: - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. - Replace heavy cream with plain yogurt for a lighter option. - Try different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for unique flavors. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. It should smell fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Next, add 10 ounces of dry pasta and 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Then, add ½ teaspoon of onion powder and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything well. Make sure the pasta and broccoli are mixed evenly in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. The pasta should be al dente, and the broccoli should be tender yet bright green. When the pasta is cooked to your liking, lower the heat. Gently pour in 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Stir the mixture until the cream blends in well. You will notice the sauce thickening slightly. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely. This will give you a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar pasta right away while it’s warm. For a tasty finish, top it with more cheddar cheese. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or some chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and color. To make the best pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Stir the pasta right after you add it to keep it from sticking. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This will help the pasta hold its shape in the creamy sauce. For creamy broccoli cheddar pasta, sharp cheddar is the best choice. It gives a strong flavor that pairs well with the broccoli. Always use freshly grated cheese. Packaged cheese often has additives that can affect how it melts. You can try different types of cheese too, like gouda or mozzarella, if you want to mix it up. Just remember, the cheese should melt smoothly to keep your sauce creamy. To keep broccoli bright and crunchy, add it to the pot at the right time. Add the florets when you add the pasta and broth. This way, they will cook together. Keep an eye on the broccoli as it cooks. It should stay bright green and tender, not mushy. Stir gently to prevent it from breaking apart. If you follow these steps, your broccoli will shine in this dish! {{image_4}} You can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. This choice keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor while being safe for gluten-free diets. To make this dish vegan, swap the cheese and cream. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy base. These changes keep the dish rich and tasty without any animal products. Want to add protein? You can mix in cooked chicken or tofu. For chicken, use grilled or rotisserie pieces. If using tofu, press and cube it before adding. This protein boost makes the meal more filling and nutritious. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing flavor. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat with care. Use a pot on low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream if it seems dry. Stir often until it’s warmed through. You want it hot, not boiling. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before. This keeps the taste and texture nice. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is quick and easy. It cooks faster than fresh. Just add it to the pot with the pasta and broth. You may need to reduce cooking time slightly. This way, you keep the bright green color and flavor. Fusilli and penne work best for this dish. Both shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Fusilli’s twists capture more cheese, while penne’s tubes let sauce fill them. You can use other pasta if you like, but these are the top choices. To make this dish dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk. It gives a creamy texture that works well. Also, choose dairy-free cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you still enjoy all the taste without the dairy. You can serve this pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad pairs well. You could also add garlic bread for a crunchy side. If you want more protein, grilled chicken or tofu works great too. This blog post explores how to make One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. We covered ingredients, from main items to optional garnishes. The step-by-step guide walks you through cooking methods and cheese melting. Tips ensure perfect pasta and broccoli. Variations show gluten-free and vegan options. Lastly, storage info and FAQs help you keep your dish fresh and enjoyable. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can adjust each recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting!

One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Pasta made in just one pot! This delicious dish combines fusilli or penne with fresh broccoli, hearty vegetable broth, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a family favorite. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this creamy delight to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

10 oz (approximately 280g) pasta (choose between fusilli or penne for best results)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free alternative)

1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: Additional cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, or fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

    Combine the Main Ingredients: Add the dry pasta, fresh broccoli florets, vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper into the pot. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta and broccoli are evenly distributed in the broth.

      Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.

        Incorporate Cream: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, lower the heat to keep the pot warm and gently pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir the mixture until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

          Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if desired.

            Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar pasta immediately while it’s warm. For an extra touch, top with more cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if you like.

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