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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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