One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta is the perfect comfort food! With a creamy blend of Colby Jack, Parmesan, and a touch of pesto, it’s a 30-minute dinner dream. Packed with broccoli for a healthy touch, it’s cheesy, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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Here’s what makes this creamy dish so irresistible:
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Short-cut Pasta: Your go-to pasta for this dish (penne, rotini, or shells work best!).
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Broccoli: Fresh, chopped for that perfect veggie crunch.
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Heavy Cream (or Whole Milk): For that rich, creamy texture.
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Shredded Colby Jack (or Cheddar): Melts perfectly into the sauce.
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Garlic Powder: For a fragrant, savory base.
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Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
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Paprika: A touch of warmth and color.
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Hot Sauce: Just the right amount of kick (adjust to your taste!).
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Basil Pesto: Extra flavor, making this dish unforgettable.
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Grated Parmesan: For the finishing cheesy touch.
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Fresh Chopped Basil: For brightness and color.
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Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To season to taste.
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Instructions
Let’s get cooking:
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Boil the Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1½ tsp salt, pasta, and chopped broccoli. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not drain the water.
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Make it Creamy: Stir in the milk, then add in your shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, hot sauce, and basil pesto. Stir everything together until it’s all melted and creamy.
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Add Parmesan & Basil: Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add ¼ cup of milk or water to thin it out.
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Serve & Enjoy: Divide into bowls, top with fresh black pepper, and serve warm!
Notes
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Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce.
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Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers to customize the dish.
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Cheese Swap: If you don’t have Colby Jack, cheddar or mozzarella would work great too!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg