The Creamiest One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe Ever

Have you ever craved a magical one-pot broccoli cheese pesto pasta that combines creamy comfort with vibrant nutrition?

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet ingenious dish that comes together faster than most weeknight meals.

Melted cheese and bright green pesto create a luxurious sauce that coats every single noodle with incredible flavor.

Broccoli adds a delightful crunch and nutritional boost to this incredibly satisfying meal.

Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your delicious creation instead of scrubbing dishes.

Pasta perfection awaits you with this effortless recipe that promises to become a new household favorite.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied!

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Magic

• Simplify Kitchen Chaos: Tackle dinner with zero hassle using this single-pot wonder that eliminates multiple pans and complicated cleanup.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Combine broccoli's green goodness with protein-rich cheese and pasta, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both taste and health goals.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare a creamy, flavorful dish in less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels with hot sauce, swap cheeses, or add extra protein to match individual preferences and make everyone happy.

Ingredients Checklist for Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides satisfying texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh vegetable that adds nutrition and green color to the dish.

• Milk: Creates a smooth and rich base for the sauce.
• Cheese, Parmesan: Adds rich, tangy flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Pesto: Brings herbal and nutty undertones to the pasta.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Hot Sauce: Provides depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to the dish.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds a bright, aromatic finish to the pasta.

Simple Steps to Make One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil and Cook Pasta with Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and heat to a rolling boil. Toss in salt and drop your pasta directly into the bubbling water.

Add broccoli florets alongside the pasta. Stir gently while cooking to prevent sticking.

Continue cooking for about 8 minutes until pasta is tender and broccoli is bright green and slightly soft.

Step 2: Transform into Creamy Cheesy Delight

Without draining the pot, pour in milk and start stirring.

• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Hot sauce
• Pesto

Continuously stir until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every single pasta strand and broccoli piece.

Step 3: Finish and Enhance Flavor

Pull the pot off the heat.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.

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

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls.

Add an extra dusting of black pepper on top for a little kick. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and incredibly creamy.

Tips to Perfect Your Pasta Dish

• Add milk or water sparingly to prevent watery sauce, ensuring creamy consistency remains rich and smooth.
• Experiment with fresh garlic instead of powder for more intense, authentic taste profile.
• Cook broccoli slightly less to maintain crisp, bright green color and prevent mushiness during final mixing.
• Shred cheese finely and add gradually while stirring to create smooth, lump-free sauce without clumping.
• Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for lactose-free version without compromising creamy texture.

Variations to Customize Your Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

• Mediterranean Veggie Burst: Replace broccoli with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a colorful vegetable-packed pasta experience.
• Protein Power Punch: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to enhance protein content and create a heartier meal.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, swap pesto with chipotle sauce, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Seafood Sensation: Incorporate sautéed shrimp or flaked salmon for an elegant ocean-inspired version that elevates the classic recipe.

Ideal Pairings to Accompany Your Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy pasta's rich cheese and bright pesto flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Garnish with Crunchy Herbed Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle toasted panko mixed with fresh parsley and garlic for added texture, creating a delightful contrast to the smooth, cheesy pasta.
• Create Protein Side of Grilled Chicken: Slice herb-marinated chicken breast and serve alongside the pasta, adding lean protein that enhances the dish's overall nutritional balance and flavor profile.

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Properly

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pasta completely to prevent drying out.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, splash a little milk or water to restore moisture, then heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, adding splashes of milk to help restore creamy texture and prevent sticking. Stir constantly to maintain smoothness.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the pasta’s original consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the pasta for similar shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

The recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, using cheese, milk, and vegetables as main ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, or add more broccoli to increase nutritional value and fiber content.

• What if I don't have pesto?

You can substitute pesto with a mix of fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic, or use a store-bought alternative like sun-dried tomato sauce.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pot broccoli cheese pesto pasta delivers a creamy, quick culinary experience straight from Italian kitchens. Cheesy, herbaceous goodness blends seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delightful, wholesome bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) short-cut pasta
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 3 cups chopped broccoli
• 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, elevate to high heat, and introduce salt for seasoning. Incorporate pasta and broccoli, allowing them to simmer and soften for approximately 8 minutes while stirring periodically. Maintain the cooking liquid.
2. Introduce milk to the pot, then gradually blend in cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, hot sauce, and pesto. Continuously stir until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
3. Remove the pot from heat source and gently fold in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile. If the sauce appears overly dense, incorporate additional milk or water to achieve desired texture.
4. Transfer the creamy pasta into serving vessels, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Toast nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor before adding them to the dish.
• Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version that keeps the creamy texture.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the rich, comforting taste.
• Reserve some pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add silky smoothness if the mixture becomes too thick.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg