One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Shells
A Quick, Easy, and Family-Favorite Dinner {Recipe Inside}
Hi again, friends!
Are you ready for a creamy, cheesy, rich, and downright delicious pasta recipe? If you're anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick and easy dinners that are comforting, hearty, and a surefire hit with the family. Well, this One-Pot Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Shells checks all those boxes—and then some!
When I tell you this pasta dish was a huge hit with my kiddos, I’m not exaggerating. They were asking for seconds before I even sat down at the table! If you have little ones, or if you're simply craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting, this dinner is for you. The best part? It's all made mostly in one pot, so you’re saving on both time and dishes. That’s a win in my book!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about cheesy pasta that’s just the ultimate comfort food, especially during busy weekdays. Between homework, after-school activities, and trying to keep things running smoothly at home, I need dinners that are fast but still feel special. This recipe gives you all the rich, cheesy goodness you could want while also sneaking in some healthy greens thanks to the broccoli.
I also love that this meal is versatile. You can modify it to suit your preferences, whether that’s swapping out the type of cheese, using a different vegetable, or making it all in one pot without even blanching the broccoli separately. It’s truly an adaptable recipe for those busy nights when you need something fast yet flavorful.
Let's Talk Broccoli
Now, broccoli might get a bad rap with some kids, but when it's mixed into a rich, cheesy sauce, it takes on a whole new life. In this recipe, the broccoli provides a lovely texture and color that breaks up the richness of the pasta and cheese. I personally like to blanch my broccoli before adding it to the pasta. This method allows it to retain a slight crunch while also softening just enough to blend with the creamy sauce.
Blanching is a simple process: you just boil the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps the broccoli maintain that beautiful bright green color while softening it just the right amount. However, if you prefer to save a step, you can simply toss the broccoli into the pot along with the pasta and let it cook together. The choice is totally yours! You can also use microwave-steamed broccoli if you're pressed for time, making this recipe even more convenient.
One-Pot Wonders: Fewer Dishes, More Flavor
One-pot meals are lifesavers for busy weeknights. I love how easy this recipe is to throw together in one pot (well, almost—we’ll count the blanching as optional). The pasta cooks in the same pot as the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks, so every bite is infused with cheesy goodness.
Here’s how it all comes together:
First, you’ll sauté a little garlic and onion in butter to create the base of the flavor.
Then, you’ll add the broth, milk, heavy cream, and pasta to the pot. The liquids will reduce as the pasta cooks, creating a creamy sauce that coats every shell.
After that, you’ll fold in the cheddar cheese and broccoli until everything is perfectly melted and combined.
Pro Tip: Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking to make sure every piece cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Once the pasta is done and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you're left with a creamy, cheesy sauce that's perfect for pairing with broccoli.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cheddar Cheese
You can’t have cheesy pasta without the cheese, and for this recipe, I love using medium cheddar. It brings a depth of flavor that’s strong and richer than mild cheddar, which balances out the creamy sauce perfectly. Of course, you can use mild or sharp cheese if you like, but I find that medium cheddar is the way to go if you want a robust cheesy flavor that stands out without being overpowering.
The Perfect Pasta: Shells or Any Shape You Like
For this recipe, I chose pasta shells because they’re perfect for trapping the cheesy sauce inside their little pockets, making every bite extra flavorful. However, you can use just about any pasta shape you have on hand. Elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or even bowties would all work great.
The key is to choose a pasta that can hold up to the sauce and has plenty of nooks and crannies to capture the cheese. The shells are a fun choice because they remind me of childhood, and they add a little whimsy to the dish, which my kids love.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or some warm, crusty bread for extra comfort. It’s also a great option to serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
If you’re like me and love to balance out a cheesy, rich meal with something light, try serving this pasta with a fresh, crisp apple and arugula salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a seasonal touch.
Perfect for Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
One of the best things about this creamy broccoli cheddar pasta is that it makes great leftovers. If you manage to have any left at the end of dinner, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe Breakdown
Let’s dive into how to make this creamy broccoli and cheddar pasta step by step.
One-Pot Creamy Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Shells
by: Sweet Harvest Table
yield: 8
A delightful dish that combines tender pasta shells with vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy cheddar sauce. This easy, one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a quick and delicious way to bring everyone together around the table!
Ingredients
1 pound pasta shells
1 broccoli crown, chopped and blanched
3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup fine julienned carrots
2 pressed garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk, warmed
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed
8 ounces medium cheddar cheese block, grated
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
salt to taste
Instructions
In a large 5-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, along with a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds. Next, add the Dijon mustard and cook for another 15-30 seconds to release its flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a low boil, add the pasta shells. Cover the pot and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and cooked in the liquid.
Once the pasta is fully cooked, gradually fold in the cheese in batches, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, top with the freshly cooked broccoli and gently mix. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Pressed garlic refers to garlic that has been crushed using a garlic press.
There you have it—an easy, one-pot broccoli cheddar pasta that’s rich, comforting, and family-approved! Whether you're making this for a cozy weeknight dinner, a quick weekend meal, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me and share your thoughts. I love seeing your creations and hearing about how much your family enjoyed it. Until next time, happy cooking and I’ll see you soon!
Let me know how it turns out for you, friends, and stay tuned for more easy, comforting recipes like this. Much love and happy cooking!
