Hey there, fellow foodies! 🍽️ Who doesn't love a hassle-free dinner that's both delicious and easy to clean up?
Our one-pot creamy pasta dish is like a grown-up twist on classic mac & cheese, but it's even simpler and more scrumptious. Plus, we're sneaking in some greens without anyone noticing – because when veggies are smothered in cheese, even the pickiest eaters can't resist! 😉
Ready to whip up this mouthwatering meal in just over 30 minutes? Let's dive in and get cooking! And if you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt you will), they'll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Now, who's up for some creamy broccoli cheese pasta?
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (We love Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil 8.5 Oz Bottle)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (The Spice Hunter Madagascar Ground Cloves 1.9 Oz add the perfect flavor!)
- 1 lb. fusilli pasta (Our go-to choice is Antonio Amato Fusilli 16 Oz Bag)
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3 1/2 c. water (We recommend Aqua Panna Still Water 1 Lt Bottle)
- 2 c. half-and-half
- Kosher salt (for that perfect balance of flavor)
- Freshly ground black pepper (We prefer Bellentani Black Pepper Coated Salami 7 Oz)
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (Try Cucina & Amore Red Pepper & Artichoke Bruschetta for a kick)
- 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (Ellsworth Creamery Cheddar Cheese – yum!)
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (We adore Grated Parmesan Cheese)
Directions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Start by heating up a large pot over medium heat and adding that delightful extra-virgin olive oil. Toss in your chopped onions and cook them until they're soft and fragrant – usually about 5 minutes. Then, add those minced cloves of garlic and let them work their magic for another minute.
Step 2: Pasta and Broccoli, Meet Creaminess
Now comes the fun part. Add in your fusilli pasta and those adorable broccoli florets. Pour in the water and half-and-half to create a creamy dreamy sauce. Season your masterpiece with a sprinkle of kosher salt, some freshly ground black pepper, and just a pinch of those fiery red pepper flakes.
Let it all come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, and let the magic simmer away. Stir occasionally and wait patiently until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture – usually around 12 to 14 minutes.
Step 3: Cheese It Up!
The grand finale – add in those two cups of shredded cheddar cheese and give everything a good stir. Watch as the cheese melts into creamy, cheesy perfection.
Don't forget to sprinkle in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra layer of flavor.
Voilà! You've just created a masterpiece – creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome broccoli goodness. 🧀🥦
Have you tried making this dish yet? Share your culinary adventures with us in the comments below! Happy cooking, foodies! 🤗🍝
