This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe is your new go-to for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal on the table fast.

It’s a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce, all made in just one pan.

Forget about endless pots and pans; this recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the dinner table. Get ready to enjoy a hassle-free meal that everyone will love!

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight hero for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want to serve a wholesome, homemade meal. The one-pan approach means minimal cleanup, which is always a win in a busy household. It’s designed for families, offering a comforting and familiar flavor profile that even picky eaters often enjoy, especially with the creamy, cheesy sauce. You can serve this dish as a stand-alone meal, a hearty side, or even as part of a larger spread when entertaining casually. It’s particularly great for after-school dinners, post-work meals, or any time you need a reliable, delicious, and fuss-free option. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and a rich sauce makes it a well-rounded and satisfying dish that hits all the right notes.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this cheesy broccoli pasta skillet is straightforward. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its components.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
12 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells)
4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap the yellow onion for a white onion or even a shallot for a milder flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for flavor. Any small to medium-sized pasta shape will work well here; just ensure it’s a shape that can cook evenly in the skillet. Feel free to use a mix of cheeses if you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, for the cheddar, or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk alternative (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and dairy-free shredded cheese, though the texture might vary slightly.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this recipe is its efficiency, getting a delicious meal on the table without a lengthy commitment.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

This timing makes it perfectly suited for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while dinner simmers.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this cheesy broccoli pasta skillet is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy result every time.

Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add broth and pasta: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook the pasta: Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it’s almost al dente. The liquid should be mostly absorbed, but there should still be a little left for the sauce.
Incorporate the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them into the pasta. If using fresh broccoli, ensure it’s cut into small, bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw it first. Cover again and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the pasta is fully cooked.
Create the creamy cheese sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The residual heat from the pasta and skillet will melt the cheese perfectly.
Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This cheesy broccoli pasta skillet is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions.

For a protein boost, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or even some sautéed shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. If you want to sneak in more veggies, a handful of spinach or frozen peas can be stirred in along with the broccoli. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic. To make it extra decadent, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions on top adds a lovely texture contrast.

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use fun pasta shapes like wagon wheels or alphabet pasta, and ensure the broccoli florets are cut very small. Offering a choice of toppings like extra shredded cheese, a dash of hot sauce for adults, or even some crumbled bacon can make it more interactive and appealing to everyone at the table. It’s also a great option for a potluck or buffet; just keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after cooking.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your cheesy broccoli pasta skillet turns out perfectly every time.

One frequent mistake is overcooking the pasta. Since the pasta cooks directly in the broth, it can absorb liquid quickly. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the package directions suggest, aiming for al dente. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold up well in the creamy sauce.

Another common issue is burning the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly, so once you add it to the skillet, stir constantly and cook for no more than a minute until it’s fragrant. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the entire dish.

Not stirring the pasta frequently enough during the cooking process can lead to it sticking to the bottom of the skillet or clumping together. A quick stir every few minutes helps prevent this and ensures even cooking.

Finally, adding the cheese while the skillet is still on high heat can cause the cheese to separate or become oily. Always remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the cheeses and cream. The residual heat is sufficient to melt them into a smooth, luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash more broth or milk can help thin it out to your desired consistency.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your leftovers. This cheesy broccoli pasta skillet stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking). Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so it might appear a bit drier.

When reheating, you have a few options. For individual portions, the microwave works well. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce, and heat on medium power, stirring every minute or so, until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low to medium heat, again adding a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until hot. Avoid reheating at very high temperatures, as this can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.

While you can’t truly “make ahead” the entire dish and expect the exact same fresh-cooked texture, you can prep some components. You can chop the onion and mince the garlic a day or two in advance. You can also cut your broccoli florets ahead of time. This will shave off a few minutes from your prep time when you’re ready to cook.

Questions People

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.