This one pot broccoli and cheddar pasta is the ultimate example: creamy, cheesy, and hearty, all made in a single pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food on the table without juggling multiple pans. The best part? Every bite is packed with cozy, cheesy goodness and tender broccoli that makes it feel wholesome too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
One pot, no mess: Minimal cleanup with maximum payoff.
-
Creamy & cheesy: Rich cheddar cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
-
Wholesome comfort food: Broccoli adds freshness and balance to the creamy sauce.
-
Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
-
Family-approved: Perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
-
1 tbsp oil
-
3 tbsp butter
-
3 cloves garlic, chopped
-
1 shallot, chopped
-
1 tsp chili oil (optional)
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
2 cups milk
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
4 cups pasta of choice (gnocchi-shaped pasta works great)
-
1 tsp salt
-
2 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp black pepper
-
300 g broccoli, chopped into medium-sized pieces
-
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
-
Oregano and chili flakes, for garnish
Instructions
Start the Base
-
Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
-
Add chopped garlic, shallot, and chilli oil (if using). Sauté until fragrant.
Add Liquids & Pasta
-
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well.
-
Add the pasta along with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
-
Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the liquid.
Cook the Pasta
-
Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
-
As the liquid reduces, check the pasta’s texture. If it’s not fully cooked and the liquid looks low, add a small splash of broth or milk and continue stirring. Repeat this as needed until the pasta is tender.
Add the Broccoli
-
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the chopped broccoli.
-
Cover the pot briefly, this helps conserve steam and cook the broccoli quickly while keeping it vibrant.
Finish with Cheese
-
When the pasta and broccoli are fully cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve
-
Garnish with oregano and chilli flakes.
-
Serve hot straight from the pot for the ultimate cozy one pot dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
-
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Freezing: Not ideal, as the dairy sauce may split, but you can freeze for up to 1 month if needed. Reheat gently with extra broth or milk.
-
Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long as the cheese sauce may become greasy.
One Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1 tsp chili oil optional
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups pasta of choice gnocchi-shaped pasta works great
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 300 g broccoli chopped into medium-sized pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Oregano and chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic, shallot, and chili oil (if using). Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add the pasta along with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the liquid.
- Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- As the liquid reduces, check the pasta’s texture. If it’s not fully cooked and the liquid looks low, add a small splash of broth or milk and continue stirring. Repeat this as needed until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the chopped broccoli.
- Cover the pot briefly, this helps conserve steam and cook the broccoli quickly while keeping it vibrant.
- When the pasta and broccoli are fully cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with oregano and chili flakes.
- Serve hot straight from the pot for the ultimate cozy one pot dinner.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use another cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes! Mozzarella, gouda, or even parmesan can be used for different flavor profiles.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like shells, penne, or gnocchi-shaped pasta work best since they hold onto the sauce.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
Swap heavy cream with milk, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Q: Can I add protein?
Yes, cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon would pair beautifully with this dish.
