Name: Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; 0.5 chicken bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank's recommended); 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon oregano; 0.5 teaspoon basil; 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder; 0.5 teaspoon parsley; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1.5 cups broccoli, very finely chopped; 0.5 pound Gemelli pasta; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Getting a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner on the table takes just about 30 minutes with this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels fancy but comes together with ease — perfect for weeknights or casual guests!

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a large silver pan resting on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spoon stirring the mixture. The pasta has a wavy, spiral shape and is coated in a thick, pale yellow cheese sauce with specks of black pepper. Small pieces of green broccoli are evenly mixed throughout, adding pops of color to the creamy texture. The sauce looks smooth and rich, enveloping the pasta and broccoli completely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Trust me, this recipe has become one of my absolute favorites whenever I want something creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed without any fuss. It’s that balance of comfort food vibes with a little veggie boost I always crave.

Super creamy sauce: Made with chicken broth and half-and-half, it’s rich without being heavy.
Veggies sneak in naturally: Finely chopped broccoli blends into the sauce so even picky eaters won’t notice!
Easy to customize: Swap pasta shapes or cheeses based on what you have — it all works beautifully.
Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals when time’s tight.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe lies in a simple, thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one adds flavor or texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy half and half, a whole uncracked chicken bouillon cube, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red hot sauce, small white ceramic bowls each holding fine onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, mustard powder, and dried parsley, a few tablespoons of pale yellow butter, a small mound of pale beige all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped vibrant green broccoli, uncooked Italian gemelli pasta spirals with a smooth surface and light golden hue, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded rich orange cheddar cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated creamy white Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically and with balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
Half and half: Gives the sauce that smooth creaminess without excess heaviness.
Chicken bouillon cube: Concentrates flavor, so your sauce is perfectly seasoned.
Hot sauce: Just a touch adds a subtle zing that boosts flavor without heat.
Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley): Layer the sauce with warm, aromatic notes that complement the broccoli and cheese.
Butter and flour: The classic base for thickening, building that luscious, velvety sauce.
Broccoli: Finely chopped to cook evenly and blend naturally into the sauce, so no crunchy surprises unless you want them.
Gemelli pasta: Its twisted shape holds onto the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Cheddar cheese: My go-to extra sharp cheddar adds bold cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that rounds out the sauce perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or to suit whatever mood we’re in. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment!

Variation: Once, I swapped the broccoli for spinach and added sun-dried tomatoes — totally changed the flavor and made it feel like a brand-new dish!
Dairy-free twist: Try using coconut cream and vegan cheese for a luscious, plant-based alternative that still melts nicely.
Spicy upgrade: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the hot sauce gives it a little kick without overpowering.
Pasta swap: Rotini or shells also work great because they trap the sauce beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

A white round plate holds a creamy pasta dish with a thick, smooth, light yellow cheese sauce coating twisted pasta pieces. Mixed in are small, bright green broccoli florets that add texture and color contrast. The pasta and broccoli layer is heaped in the middle of the plate, showing the sauce's rich and creamy texture with a slight sheen. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth visible in the upper right corner and the edge of another similar plate showing pasta in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Flavorful Sauce Base

First, I combine the chicken broth, half and half, half a chicken bouillon cube, Frank's hot sauce (just a teaspoon—trust me, it doesn’t make it spicy!), and all the herbs and spices in a large measuring cup. Having this ready to go keeps things moving smoothly so the sauce comes together quickly.

Step 2: Boil Pasta and Prep Broccoli

While the sauce base sits, I get a big pot of water boiling for the pasta. Once boiling, I salt the water well (about half a tablespoon of kosher salt) before adding the pasta. Meanwhile, make sure the broccoli is chopped very finely — this is key! It needs to cook through quickly and seamlessly blend into the sauce.

Step 3: Create a Velvety Roux

In a large, tall skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook it for 1–2 minutes. This step is important: it cooks out the raw flour taste and starts building that silky sauce texture.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Add Broccoli

I slowly add the broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens evenly without lumps. Then, in goes the finely chopped broccoli. I bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pan to help the broccoli cook through while the pasta cooks.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Once the pasta is al dente, I drain it and reduce the sauce heat to low before stirring in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Make sure the sauce isn’t too hot to keep the cheese from separating—that texture is key. Finally, I add the pasta back to the sauce, stirring well to coat every bit.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

The sauce thickens a little more as it stands, so give it a quick stir before serving up scoops of cheesy broccoli pasta. It's just comfort in a bowl!

Top Tip

After making this recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few secrets that really make your creamy broccoli cheese pasta shine.

Finely chop your broccoli: This helps it cook fully in the sauce, avoiding crunchy bites or extra boiling steps.
Cheese quality matters: Grate your own cheddar and Parmesan from blocks — it melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded bags.
Don’t add cheese over high heat: I always lower the heat before stirring in cheese to keep it silky, not grainy.
Use the hot sauce as a flavor enhancer: It won’t add heat but adds complexity—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

A silver pan is filled with a creamy white sauce that has small green specks throughout from herbs or spinach. On top, bright yellow shredded cheese is scattered unevenly in small piles. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a little extra grated Parmesan for that salty zing and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if I have them on hand—they add a fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens up all the creamy goodness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve it alongside crispy baked chicken tenders for a satisfying meat-and-cheese combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in cozy little ramekins, topping each with a tiny broccoli floret and a sprinkle of chili flakes. It looks inviting and makes every serving feel special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find that the pasta keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so I like to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the stovetop method over the microwave. Add a little broth or milk and warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from splitting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the bouillon cube or use a vegetarian alternative. For a vegan version, swap half and half for a plant-based cream like cashew cream or coconut milk, and use vegan cheeses — it might not be as sharp but still creamy and delicious.

What pasta types work best in this recipe?

Gemelli works fantastic because its twists hold sauce well, but this recipe is forgiving. Rotini, fusilli, shells, macaroni, and even penne are great choices. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair since they don’t hold the sauce as well.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but make sure to thaw and drain it very well to avoid watering down the sauce. I recommend fresh broccoli for best texture and flavor, chopped finely to ensure it cooks fully in the sauce.

What do I do if my sauce gets grainy after adding cheese?

This usually happens if the sauce is too hot when you add the cheese. To fix it, remove the pan from heat, stir in the cheese slowly, then return to low heat if needed. Also, always grate cheese fresh; pre-shredded cheese can cause texture problems due to anti-caking agents.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it manages to feel indulgent and nourishing at the same time. I love how the broccoli sneaks in, adding a touch of green without stealing the spotlight. Next time you want a comforting dinner that’s quick, tasty, and dirt-simple, give this a try—I’m pretty sure you’ll have it on rotation too!