Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, allowing you to enjoy a rich meal without compromising on nutrition. With its velvety texture and fresh ingredients, this creamy pasta is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (medium shells, rotini, cavatappi, or penne)
- 1 large head of broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last few minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to blanch.
- Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the mixture.
- In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, sauté onion for 5–7 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes; gradually whisk in vegetable broth and milk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until thickened; stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg