There’s something magical about gathering everything in one pot and creating a dish that is equal parts comforting, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious. This One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe does exactly that. Velvety, cheesy sauce clings perfectly to tender pasta and bright green broccoli, while subtle hints of garlic, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning elevate every bite. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you need a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things straightforward is the key to this recipe’s charm. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s developing a rich sauce, adding fresh brightness, or boosting the nourishing qualities of the meal. With a handful of pantry staples and fresh broccoli, this dish comes together in a snap.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing garlic and infusing flavor early on.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds a delicious aromatic foundation that wakes up the dish.
- Dry white wine (or broth): Gives a subtle acidity and depth to balance the creaminess.
- Finely grated lemon zest: Offers a bright, fresh note to lift the sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Essential for cooking the pasta and infusing savory flavor.
- Whole milk (or evaporated milk, half and half): Creates the luscious creamy texture that coats every bite.
- Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herb flavors that pair beautifully with broccoli.
- Onion powder: Deepens the savory background without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic notes for extra depth.
- Small pasta shapes (8 oz uncooked): Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce while cooking evenly in one pot.
- Chopped broccoli: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast and nutritional boost.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Delivers that irresistible sharp, salty kick and melds the sauce together.
- Cream cheese: Provides extra silkiness and richness in the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the overall flavor and balances the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook gently for about a minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. This step lays the flavor groundwork by coaxing out garlic’s natural sweetness and earthiness.
Step 2: Add Wine and Lemon Zest
Next, pour in the dry white wine, or replace with broth if you prefer, and stir in freshly grated lemon zest. Scrape any little browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom as you stir. Allow this mixture to simmer and reduce by half over 2 to 3 minutes — this intensifies flavors and creates a zesty base that perfectly complements the creamy sauce ahead.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add your pasta. Lower the heat to a lively simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for about 7 to 8 minutes so the pasta softens without sticking and absorbs all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Stir in the chopped broccoli, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. This gentle steam finishes cooking the broccoli until it’s tender but still vibrant green. Remove the lid and allow a final minute of simmering so the liquid thickens slightly and the pasta reaches perfect al dente.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Take the pan off the heat and stir through the grated parmesan, cream cheese, and a little fresh lemon juice. Taste and season with extra salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. This last step brings the sauce together into a silky, cheesy masterpiece brimming with bright, fresh undertones. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its creamiest, most irresistible state.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform this comforting pasta into something truly special. I love adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of herbal freshness. Toasted pine nuts or a few red pepper flakes also add texture and a subtle kick that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy broccoli pasta stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the pasta’s brightness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant diner or casual weeknight supper, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant green broccoli and creamy sauce. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze right before serving for an added flavor boost and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so be prepared for a slightly thickened texture.
Freezing
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, though some texture changes in the broccoli and pasta are to be expected.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that silky creaminess. Stir often to warm evenly and prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While small pasta shapes work best to hold the sauce, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni based on what you have. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure perfect doneness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and make sure any cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly. The dish remains wonderfully flavorful and satisfying without meat.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
You can try using mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture and taste, but cream cheese gives this dish its signature silky richness. If you want to keep it lighter, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether, although the sauce will be less creamy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk substitute such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, a vegan cream cheese alternative, and omit or replace parmesan with a nutritional yeast sprinkle. Adjust seasonings to taste.
What can I do if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! You can easily skip the white wine and replace it with extra chicken or vegetable broth. The sauce will still taste delicious, just with a slightly different depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort of a One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe that brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients into one harmonious dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe makes a beautiful weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it, fall in love, and keep it in your recipe rotation forever!
Print
One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce made with Parmesan and cream cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or more broth)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1.5 cups whole milk (or evaporated milk or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (8-oz) box small pasta shapes (uncooked)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook garlic: Heat olive oil in a large, deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add wine and lemon zest: Stir in the dry white wine and finely grated lemon zest, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half to concentrate the flavors.
- Cook pasta: Add chicken broth, whole milk, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 7-8 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until both the pasta and broccoli are nearly tender. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another minute to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Finish dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and lemon juice until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- If white wine is not available, use extra broth to maintain moisture and flavor balance.
- Use small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or penne for best results as they cook evenly and hold sauce well.
- Feel free to add extra cream cheese for a richer sauce or reduce it for a lighter version.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute dairy products with plant-based milk and cheese, and use vegetable broth.
- Stirring frequently during pasta cooking prevents sticking and ensures creamy texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to control seasoning perfectly.
