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- 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick I choose pasta like penne or fusilli because they hold sauce well. Fresh broccoli florets add color and crunch, making the dish vibrant. Olive oil gives a nice base flavor and helps cook the garlic. Minced garlic boosts the taste and aroma of this dish. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and dreamy while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy taste. Onion powder and garlic powder round out the flavor profile, making it savory and satisfying. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, while red pepper flakes can add a fun kick if you like spice. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap the pasta for gluten-free options. You can use rice or quinoa as alternatives. For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you are avoiding oil, you can sauté garlic in a little vegetable broth instead. To make One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta, start by gathering your ingredients. You need pasta, broccoli, garlic, and cheese. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not brown. 3. Next, add the pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. 4. Bring the pot to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer. 5. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things moving. The pasta should be al dente, and the broccoli tender. 6. When the pasta is ready, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. 7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a kick. 8. Serve right away. You can add extra cheese or red pepper flakes on top if you like. For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. This keeps it chewy and not mushy. Stir the pasta a few times while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cheese. While I can't provide visuals directly, I recommend checking out cooking videos on platforms like YouTube. Look for "One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta." Watching the cooking process can help you nail down each step. You can also search for photos on food blogs to see how the dish should look at each stage. To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture. Add the cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. Stir the sauce well while adding the cream and cheese. This keeps it smooth and lump-free. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. This can help balance the creaminess. To boost the flavor, try adding spices. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They give a fresh taste. For more depth, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This will brighten the dish. You can mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on it. It should be al dente. Another mistake is not stirring enough. Stirring helps the pasta absorb the flavors better. Lastly, avoid adding all the cheese at once. Adding it slowly helps it melt more smoothly. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your one pot creamy broccoli cheddar pasta. Chicken works well here. Use cooked, shredded chicken to save time. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Firm tofu adds a nice texture. Just cube it and toss it in during cooking. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers can add color and taste. You can even use spinach for a healthy boost. Just add the veggies at the same time as the broccoli. This way, they will cook perfectly without losing their crunch. You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese to keep the creamy texture. These changes keep the flavors while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your meal no matter your diet! To keep your One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, take it out of the fridge. Heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or broth. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze your pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label each bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating guidelines above. To make the pasta dish less creamy, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream. Start with half a cup instead of a full cup. You can also add more vegetable broth to keep the dish moist. This way, you keep the flavor while cutting back on creaminess. You might want to add a bit of extra cheese for taste. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without cream. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is a great time saver. Just make sure to thaw it first. Add it to the pot at the same time as the pasta. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. You want it tender but not mushy. This swap keeps the dish easy and tasty. If you want a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. You can use half-and-half for a similar texture. For a lighter option, try milk mixed with a little cornstarch. Coconut milk is great for a dairy-free choice. Silken tofu blended until smooth also works well. Each option changes the flavor a bit, so pick what you like best. This post covered important aspects of creating a creamy pasta dish. I shared a list of key ingredients and explained why each one matters. You learned useful cooking steps and helpful tips for perfect texture. I offered ideas to tweak flavors and avoid common mistakes. In summary, cooking is about exploration and enjoyment. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously easy meal with this One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines pasta, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese in just one pot. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Don't miss out on this comforting recipe – click to explore how to make your dinner time a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

    Add the pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

      Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.

        Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

          Adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes, if desired. Mix well to combine.

            Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings