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Cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta dish garnished with fresh parsley.

Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Pasta

A delightful and comforting dish featuring vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, creamy sauce made with mozzarella and parmesan, perfect for busy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter Adds a rich flavor as the base for your sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances the dish with healthy fats and a subtle taste.
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion (diced) Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Infuses the dish with a warm essence.
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Creates a velvety texture for the sauce.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
  • 8 oz Parmesan Cheese (grated) Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Pasta water (reserved) Helps adjust the sauce's consistency.
For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ditalini Pasta Perfect for holding onto the sauce.
  • 500 g Fresh Broccoli (chopped into florets) Adds vibrant color and nutrients.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat until bubbling and fragrant.
  2. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Introduce chopped broccoli, cooking for about 5 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender.
Making the Sauce
  1. Gradually add heavy cream, letting it simmer gently and stir in mozzarella until melted.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a separate pot, boil water and cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combining and Serving
  1. Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy broccoli sauce, adding reserved pasta water for consistency.
  2. Serve warm, topped with grated parmesan.

Notes

For best flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes, other veggies like bell peppers or spinach, fresh herbs, or experimenting with different cheeses. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge.