The Best One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a delightful one-pot broccoli cheese pesto pasta can transform your weeknight dinner routine in minutes.

Creamy textures and vibrant green hues promise a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Minimal cleanup beckons with this streamlined cooking approach, making kitchen time a breeze.

Pesto adds a zesty punch while melted cheese creates irresistible richness throughout each twirled bite.

Fresh broccoli brings nutritious crunch and subtle earthiness to complement the sauce’s luxurious profile.

Simple ingredients dance together effortlessly, proving gourmet-style meals need not be complicated.

Let me show you how this quick recipe can become your new favorite go-to dinner solution.

Why Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Is a Weeknight Star

• Simplify Cooking: Tackle this one-pot wonder that eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making meal preparation stress-free and quick.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Combine broccoli's powerful vitamins with protein-rich cheese and pasta, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping cheese types, or adding protein like chicken or shrimp to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Craft a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with creamy textures and familiar ingredients that make mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Bowl

• Pasta: The main starch that provides the base for this creamy, cheesy dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and color to the pasta.

• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce base.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers warm, savory background notes.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet undertone.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a gentle kick of heat to the recipe.
• Basil Pesto: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the pasta.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a final burst of aromatic herb flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

How to Make This One-Pot Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil and Combine Pasta and Broccoli

Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Toss in a pinch of salt, then add your pasta and freshly chopped broccoli.

Let everything bubble and cook together for about 8 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking. Keep all the delicious cooking water in the pot – you’ll need it for the next magical step.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Hot sauce
• Basil pesto

Whisk everything together until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, irresistible sauce that coats every single pasta and broccoli piece.

Step 3: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped basil

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to suit your taste.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some extra milk or water to reach your perfect consistency.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls, dust with a final sprinkle of fresh black pepper, and get ready to dive into this comforting one-pot wonder!

Helpful Tips for Broccoli Cheese Pasta Preparation

• Reserve some pasta cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Shred cheese yourself for better melting and avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth blending.
• Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the overall taste profile and cut through the richness.
• Replace broccoli with cauliflower or zucchini for different nutritional variety while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
• Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this into a more substantial one-pot meal.

Creative Twists on One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta

• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace hot sauce with chipotle sauce, and top with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Veggie Lovers' Version: Incorporate roasted zucchini, sautéed spinach, and caramelized bell peppers to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

Perfectly Pair Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

• Wine Companion: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complement the herbal pesto notes.
• Protein Sidekick: Add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta to boost protein content and provide a delightful textural contrast against the soft, cheesy pasta.
• Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and introduce a zesty, fresh element that cleanses the palate.
• Bread Buddy: Serve with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide a crunchy counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Pasta the Right Way

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding splash of milk or water to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain smooth consistency.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Is this pasta suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta is completely vegetarian-friendly with no meat ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can swap the pasta for other short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells that hold sauce well.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

No problem. You can use dried basil or skip it entirely. The pesto and other herbs will still provide great flavor.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Try adding cooked chickpeas, white beans, or tofu cubes to increase the protein content of the pasta.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pot broccoli cheese pesto pasta brings Italian-inspired simplicity to weeknight dinners. Creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and aromatic pesto blend seamlessly, promising you a delightful meal that satisfies with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound short-cut pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack (or cheddar cheese)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, bringing it to a rolling boil over high heat. Introduce salt, pasta, and finely chopped broccoli, allowing them to simmer together for approximately 8 minutes. Gently stir periodically to ensure even cooking. Retain the cooking liquid.
2. Incorporate milk into the pot, then gradually fold in shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, hot sauce, and basil pesto. Continuously stir until the ingredients meld into a smooth, velvety consistency.
3. Transition the pot off the heat source. Gently blend in Parmesan cheese and freshly torn basil leaves. Delicately season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste preferences. Should the sauce appear overly dense, introduce a modest splash of milk or water to achieve desired consistency.
4. Transfer the aromatic mixture into serving bowls. Embellish with an additional sprinkle of black pepper and present while piping hot, inviting immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize pasta thickness by adjusting liquid – add extra milk or pasta water to reach desired consistency.
• Transform into gluten-free version by using alternative pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein.
• Enhance nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or roasted cauliflower for extra vitamins and texture.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting half the cheese with nutritional yeast for a lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains creamy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg