Give homemade Broccoli Pasta extra yum with this power-packed cheese sauce that contains four cups of broccoli. It is ready in less than 20 minutes, has two veggies in the mix, and is super easy to make. You can even freeze extra portions of the broccoli pasta sauce for future meals!
I am a big fan of serving vegetables to the kids in all sorts of ways, and this Broccoli Pasta is a favorite. It’s similar to my Green Pasta Sauce but uses broccoli instead of cauliflower. It’s a great option for kids who already love their kids broccoli recipes, who haven’t yet found a favorite way to eat it, or who need a cozy, cheesy pasta recipe!
You can make the sauce as you prepare the pasta or you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can use dairy-free cheese if needed. And you can combine the broccoli sauce with any type of pasta you like.
(You may also like my Cheesy Broccoli Rice, Broccoli for Babies, Broccoli Fritters, and Broccoli Tots if you have more broccoli to use up. Plus One-Pan Pasta Recipes and Vegetable Sauces for Pasta.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this Broccoli Pasta recipe to share with the kids so you know what to have on hand. This is an easy weeknight meal, or you can pack it in a thermos as a hot lunch for daycare or school.
- Broccoli florets: You can use a full broccoli crown, precut florets, or frozen broccoli in this recipe, according to what you have or prefer to use. They all work about the same.
- Baby spinach: Baby spinach adds iron, fiber, and a bright green color to the sauce. It’s such a fun way to serve greens to kids, and it blends right in. You can skip this if you don’t have it, though the sauce will be a little less bright green in color.
- Milk (or cream or half-and-half): You can use any of the options I mention to ensure that the pasta sauce is thick and creamy. You can also use a plain, unsweetened nondairy milk if needed.
- Broth: A little broth adds flavor to the sauce recipe. You can use reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds flavor and creaminess to this cheese sauce.
- Butter: A little butter adds richness and flavor to the pasta sauce. I usually use unsalted butter in my cooking so I can add the salt to taste.
- Garlic powder (optional): Add a pinch of garlic powder for more flavor in the sauce.
- Pasta (such as elbows, mini shells, farfalle, orecchiette, or another mini pasta shape): You can serve this pasta sauce with any pasta you prefer, though we love this most with short pasta shapes such as elbows or mini wagon wheels.
- Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper, optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a look at how to make this Easy Broccoli Pasta so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing.
Step 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli until just soft and tender.
Step 2. Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to transfer broccoli to a blender. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3. Blend the sauce very smooth.
Step 4. Stir into pasta, using as much or as little sauce as you like..
Frequently Asked Questions
Broccoli pasta is made by using a combination of pasta and a sauce made from cooked broccoli, cheese, spices, and a little cream to bring it together.
You can cook it just until tender in almost any way to serve it up with ample nutrition, whether steaming, boiling in a small amount of water, roasting, or sauteeing.
This broccoli pasta sauce tastes like cheesy broccoli.
How to Store
Store any leftovers of the Broccoli Pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.
You can also add the sauce to a freezer container or small freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature, overnight in the fridge, or briefly in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best in this Broccoli Pasta recipe.
- Omit the garlic powder if you’re worried the kids may not like it.
- Stir the Broccoli Pasta Sauce into the pasta right before serving.
- Use as much or as little of the sauce as you prefer.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cheese, use broth instead of milk, and add ½ cup white beans. Or use dairy-free cheese, butter, and milk.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta as desired.
- Top your serving with cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes, if desired. You might even like some fresh lemon zest.
- Pair with Salmon Nuggets, Italian Chicken Cutlets, or Chickpea Fritters.
Related Recipes
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Easy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended)
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- pinch garlic powder (optional)
- 1 pound pasta (such as elbows or other mini pasta shape)
- Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes or until soft when poked with a fork.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and add to a blender. Add the spinach, broth, cream, cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder if using. Blend until smooth.
- Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water from Step 1 and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir as much of the cheese sauce into the pasta as you like to coat the pasta thoroughly. Serve warm, topped with parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and/or cracked black pepper if desired.
Video
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.
- You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta.
- Freeze prepared cheese sauce for up to 6 months. You can do small portions by freezing it in an ice cube tray.
- Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.
- Omit the garlic powder if you’re worried the kids may not like it.
- Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cheese, use broth instead of milk, and add ½ cup white beans. Or use dairy-free cheese, butter, and milk.
Nutrition
This recipe was first published October 2023.
If I had pre-boiled/cooked broccoli that is frozen, would I just put it straight in the blender still frozen with the other ingredients?
I have some pre-boiled, frozen broccoli, would i just put in straight into the blender with the other ingredients?