One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

This is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that makes you feel like a kid again but with a little grown-up flavor magic. It’s cheesy, easy, and has that nostalgic SpaghettiOs vibe (but way better). Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to dig in. It’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with veggies like broccoli and carrots so you can feel just a little proud while eating a bowl of gooey cheese pasta.

Method

1. Melt & Sauté

Start by placing a large deep pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Let them melt together until the butter is fully melted and starts to sizzle slightly. Once the fats are ready, stir in the minced garlic and shallot. Cook these for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shallot becomes soft and the garlic smells fragrant. This forms the flavorful base of the dish, so give it a little love and stir often so nothing burns.

2. Add the Veggies & Pasta

Next, toss in the shredded carrot and the dry anelli pasta. Stir everything together so the pasta gets lightly coated in the garlicky butter mixture. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes like this this step helps the pasta start to toast just a bit and gives the carrots a head start before the liquid is added.

3. Add Liquid & Seasonings

Now pour in 4 cups of water or vegetable broth, depending on your flavor preference. Broth gives it extra richness, but water works just fine too. Right after that, sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt. Stir it all together, then turn the heat up to bring the pot to a boil. This is when everything starts coming together.

4. Simmer It Down

Once your pot is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir it every couple of minutes to prevent any sticking, especially as the liquid starts to absorb. Keep an eye on it when most of the liquid is gone and the pasta is nearly cooked through (but still has a little bite), you’re ready for the next step.

5. Time for Broccoli & Cheese!

Now it’s time to make things creamy and cheesy. Stir in the chopped broccoli, the heavy cream, and all that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. At first, it might look like too much cheese, but keep stirring gently and you’ll see it all melt into a smooth, thick sauce. The broccoli will start to soften, and the whole dish will turn rich and velvety.

6. Final Simmer

Let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes. This final cook time helps the broccoli become tender (but not mushy!) and gives the pasta a chance to soak up the rest of the sauce. The end result should be a thick, cheesy pasta dish with bright green broccoli peeking through. Give it a taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Necessary Tools 

• Large deep pan or wide pot
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Serving Suggestions 

• Spoon it into a big bowl and top with extra cheese or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Serve it with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.
• Leftovers? Warm it up with a splash of milk for a super creamy next-day meal.

Fun Fact 

Anelli pasta (the little rings) is the same kind you find in SpaghettiOs! That’s why this dish feels a bit nostalgic but it’s way cheesier and way more flavorful.

Conclusion 

This One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s quick, easy, and full of creamy, cheesy goodness with hidden veggies that even picky eaters will love. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just want something warm and satisfying for yourself, this recipe is always a good idea.