Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty pasta with vibrant broccoli and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The creamy cheddar sauce, infused with fresh garlic and subtly seasoned, creates an irresistible flavor profile that makes this dish a go-to favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (medium shells, rotini, cavatappi, or penne)
- 1 large head of broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water.
- Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining pasta and broccoli together.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion until softened.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for a minute.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and milk until smooth; simmer until thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and add cheddar cheese (and cream cheese if using); stir until melted.
- Toss pasta and broccoli with the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg