Hey food lovers! If you’re looking for a cozy, cheesy pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavors, then this One Pot Broccoli Shredded Pasta is exactly what you need! With the goodness of broccoli, the richness of heavy cream, and the melted cheesy goodness, this dish is the perfect comfort food. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Method

Prepare the Base

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and the oil is hot, add 1 minced shallot and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until the shallot is soft and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma!

Add Carrot and Pasta

After the garlic and shallots are softened, add 1 medium shredded carrot (about 3/4 cup shredded) and 2 cups of anelli pasta to the pan. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes. The pasta will start to lightly toast in the butter and oil, and the shredded carrot will begin to soften, making the dish even more delicious. Let them cook together, getting a nice little sizzle going to enhance the flavor.

Add Liquid and Seasonings

Now, it’s time to add 4 cups of water or broth to the pan. Broth adds an extra layer of flavor, but water works just fine if you want something lighter. Add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Sprinkle in some salt to taste and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil. The spices will start to blend into the liquid, creating a savory base for the pasta to cook in.

Simmer the Pasta

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Allow the pasta and veggies to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly. You’ll notice the liquid starting to reduce and the pasta absorbing the flavors. Continue simmering until the majority of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.

Add Broccoli, Cream, and Cheese

After the pasta has cooked, add 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the cheese melts smoothly into the creamy sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes. The cheese will thicken the sauce, and the broccoli will cook just until it turns bright green and tender, but not mushy.

Serve

Once the pasta is al dente, and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve. Scoop the creamy, cheesy pasta onto plates, and enjoy the comforting dish you’ve just created!

Necessary Tools

Large pan or skillet
Knife and cutting board
Stirring spoon
Grater for shredded carrot
Measuring cups and spoons

One Pot Broccoli Shredded Pasta

Recipe by Justin SelkCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 medium carrot, shredded (about 3/4 cup shredded)
2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
2 cups anelli pasta
4 cups water or broth
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Once it’s melted, add the minced shallot and garlic. Let them cook until fragrant and soft. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
Next, add the shredded carrot and pasta to the pan. Let them cook for a couple of minutes to get a nice little sizzle going.
Now, pour in the water (or broth if you want extra flavor) and add the paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring everything to a boil.
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and the water is mostly absorbed.
Add the broccoli, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the creamy sauce starts to thicken. Keep cooking for about 5 more minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is perfect.

Notes

Be sure to stir the pasta frequently while it’s simmering. This will help it cook evenly and prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
When adding the broccoli, keep an eye on it. You want it tender but not mushy, so make sure to cook it just until it’s bright green and crisp-tender.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for extra flavor.
Top it off with a little extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a fun twist.
Want some extra protein? Add grilled chicken or a sprinkle of bacon on top!

Fun Fact

Did you know that anelli pasta, which is used in this recipe, is shaped like little rings? It’s perfect for holding onto all the creamy sauce, making every bite extra flavorful!

Conclusion

This One Pot Broccoli Shredded Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with minimal cleanup! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with veggies, making it the perfect meal for any day of the week. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying this mouthwatering dish. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!