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- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli options) - 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based alternative) - 3 cups of vegetable broth - 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Mustard powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes When I make this One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta, I start with the main ingredients. I choose either penne or fusilli pasta. Both shapes hold the sauce well. The fresh broccoli florets add great color and a nice crunch. The olive oil gives everything a rich flavor. Next, I focus on the aromatics. A small onion, finely diced, brings sweetness. I add minced garlic for depth. Together, they form a lovely base. Then, I pour in one cup of milk. You can use dairy or a plant-based option—both work well. The flavor enhancers are key to this dish. I use three cups of vegetable broth. It adds a savory depth to the sauce. The shredded sharp cheddar cheese is the star. It melts beautifully and gives that creamy texture. I also add mustard powder, salt, and pepper for balance. If I want some heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This simple combination of ingredients makes a comforting and tasty meal. Each item plays a role in creating a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 small, finely diced onion. Cook the onion until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavor base for our dish. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring often. The garlic should be fragrant, but not browned. Now, add 8 ounces of pasta, like penne or fusilli, along with 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. The pasta should be nearly al dente when you finish. It’s time to add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Stir them in well and cook for 3-5 minutes. This will make the broccoli bright green and tender. Now, lower the heat further and pour in 1 cup of milk. Stir well to combine. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until it melts. This gives the pasta a creamy texture. Finally, season with mustard powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well coated in that luscious cheese sauce. - Stir the pasta often to stop it from sticking together. - Check the pasta and broccoli for doneness. They should be cooked but not mushy. To ensure perfect pasta, keep an eye on the time. Use a timer when cooking. Stirring helps the pasta cook evenly. It also keeps the broccoli bright and fresh. - Taste the dish to adjust the salt and pepper. - Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat. If you want more creaminess, add a bit more cheese or milk. For a tangy kick, a dash of lemon juice can work wonders. Adjust the mustard powder to fit your taste. - Serve the pasta in warm bowls for a cozy feel. - Top with extra cheese and fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of extra cheddar makes the dish look inviting. It also adds a burst of flavor. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness. Consider using a fun spoon or fork for serving to make it even more enjoyable! {{image_4}} You can use many pasta types for this dish. Penne and fusilli work great, but don't stop there! Try gluten-free pasta if you need it. Whole grain pasta adds fiber too. You can even experiment with shapes like shells or bowties for fun. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a unique taste. If you want a twist, try different cheeses! Gruyère or mozzarella can add a nice touch. For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar. If you're on a plant-based diet, vegan cheese works well too! Look for brands that melt nicely and have a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is another great option for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want to make this dish heartier? Add proteins like chicken or tofu! Cook diced chicken in the pot first, then follow the steps. For tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it until golden before adding. Adjust cooking times to ensure proteins are fully cooked. Chicken takes about 10 minutes, while tofu needs about 5 minutes. Enjoy a filling meal! To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I recommend using it within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor. Always let it cool before sealing. When reheating, keep the creaminess intact. The stove-top method works best. Just add a splash of milk while heating. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze this dish! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of milk to restore creaminess. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this dish. Frozen broccoli is often blanched before freezing, which helps keep its color and nutrients. It cooks faster than fresh broccoli. When using frozen broccoli, add it directly to the pot with the pasta and broth. Make sure to stir it in well and check for doneness. The texture may be softer than fresh, but it will still taste great! To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the milk and cheese. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For cheese, try a vegan cheese that melts well, like cashew cheese or a store-bought alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Adjust the amounts to get the taste and creaminess you like. You can add many other veggies to this pasta! Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them when you add the broccoli. Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last minute of cooking. These additions will enhance the flavor and boost the nutrients in your dish! This recipe combines simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for a delicious dish. You can customize it by changing pastas, cheeses, or adding protein. Store your leftovers well for future meals, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors. The options are endless. Enjoy making this dish your own and delight in every bite.

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Savor the delightful flavors of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dream Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender pasta with fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar cheese, and aromatic garlic for a comforting meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, it's the ultimate cheesy dish to satisfy your cravings. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner routine today!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

2 cups of fresh broccoli florets

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 cups of vegetable broth

1 cup of milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative)

2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon of mustard powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your pasta.

    Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring often until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and vegetable broth to the pot, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is almost al dente.

          Incorporate the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, stirring to combine. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is bright green and tender.

            Add Milk: Lower the heat further and pour in the milk, stirring well to integrate it into the pasta.

              Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring continuously until each addition melts into a creamy sauce, creating a luscious texture.

                Season to Taste: Stir in the mustard powder, along with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), adjusting to your taste preferences. Make sure everything is well coated in the cheese sauce.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                      - Total Time: 25 minutes

                        - Servings: 4

                          Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in warm bowls, and consider a light sprinkle of extra cheddar on top alongside the parsley for added visual appeal. Enjoy your comforting creamy pasta dish!