Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta.

Super Easy One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta. Trust me, this is the pasta that everyone will beg you to make again and again. Shortcut pasta and broccoli are boiled together until al dente. Then, a splash of milk and a handful of melty Colby jack and cheddar cheese are mixed in, creating a creamy, cheesy pasta. Flavor this pasta with a couple of spoonfuls of basil pesto and fresh basil. Simple, but totally delicious!

A very simple recipe to slowly welcome in spring! With warmer, nicer weather approaching, I’m in that weird transitional phase of the year. One day it’s a full-on snowstorm. So, of course, all you want is a pot of chili simmering on the stove and beer bread in the oven. But then, the next day, it’s bright and sunny, and the snow is slowly melting. And you’re left craving the first big spring salad of the season!

I always feel so confused recipe-wise this time of year! But this pasta is a wonderful balance between comforting and fresh for spring! As you can see, it’s very cheesy, but the additions of fresh broccoli, basil pesto, and fresh basil make it feel just a smidge brighter for spring!

We love this! And what’s even more important, this dish is quick to throw together and so delicious!

Essentially, this is a fancy stove-top mac and cheese. I’ve been excited to use this new cut of pasta I ordered on Amazon, and when I wrote this idea down in my list of “recipe ideas,” I was immediately excited to make it.

I love a pasta dish full of broccoli—it’s one of my favorite vegetables. And when you add a sauce like basil pesto, it becomes even more delicious! Both Mom and I were very excited for me to test this one out. I was so sure it would come out YUMMY.

And it did not disappoint. This cheese and broccoli pasta is going to quickly become loved by all!

These are the details

Step 1: boil the pasta and broccoli

Use a pot that will be large enough to hold both the pasta and the broccoli. Fill it with around 4 cups of water.

Once the water has come to a boil, add the pasta and the broccoli. Boil together until al dente, do not drain the pasta.

Step 2: stir in all the remaining ingredients

The key is to use a touch of cream or milk to add a bit of creaminess to make a sauce. Then for the cheeses, I love using a mix of melty Colby jack cheese and white cheddar cheese. You can use any melty cheese you love. I think a yummy gouda cheese or fontina cheese would also be great!

To season, I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a couple of tablespoons of hot sauce. The hot sauce doesn’t make this spicy by any means; it just gives the pasta a nice balanced flavor.

Step 3: the pesto

Now mix in the pesto. During the winter, I use store-bought pesto. I always keep it on hand to create quick recipes.

Mix the pesto with the parmesan cheese and add a handful of fresh basil. The basil will immediately smell so good—almost summery!

Step 4: serve

Serve the cheese pasta directly out of the pot, then top with freshly cracked pepper and/or a small grating of parmesan!

This dish is great on its own or paired with a seared steak or roasted chicken for a side of protein.We all really loved this!

Looking for other one-pot recipes? Here are my favorites: 

French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake

Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Lastly, if you make this Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

4.82 from 55 votes

6

by Tieghan Gerard

calories 525kcal

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Prep15 minutes mins

Cook15 minutes mins

Total30 minutes mins

Quick to throw together and so delicious...a very simple recipe to slowly welcome in spring!

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 pound short-cut pasta
• ▢ 3 cups chopped broccoli
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• ▢ 2 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• ▢ 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• ▢ 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
• ▢ Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions 

• 1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the pasta, and broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Do not drain the water.

  2. Stir in the milk. Add the cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, hot sauce, and pesto, and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from the heat. Stir in the parmesan and basil. Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce feels thick, add ¼ cup milk or water to thin.

  3. Divide the pasta and broccoli between bowls. Top with black pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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