If you love the comforting embrace of pasta dishes that deliver big on flavor with a touch of indulgence, this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a perfect harmony of tender broccoli florets mingling with ditalini pasta hugged by a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Every bite brings a cozy creaminess balanced with the freshness of garlic and onion, making it a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves up a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white bowl filled with finely chopped broccoli mixed with small pieces of onion. The broccoli is bright green with a slightly soft texture, while the onion pieces are translucent and white. The mixture looks fresh and lightly cooked, spread evenly across the bowl against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. The list is straightforward but each component plays a vital role—bringing richness, texture, and brightness to the final dish.

Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness that forms the base of the sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a fruity note and helps sauté aromatics perfectly.
Yellow onion (1): Offers a sweet, mellow flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
Fresh broccoli (500 g, chopped): Brings vibrant color, nutrition, and a pleasant bite.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with that irresistible savory aroma.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates the creamy base that envelops every piece of pasta.
Mozzarella cheese (8 oz): Melts smoothly to deliver gooey, stringy deliciousness.
Parmesan cheese (8 oz): Adds a nutty, sharp flavor for depth.
Pasta water (½ cup): Helps loosen the sauce and binds everything together perfectly.
Ditalini pasta (16 oz): The tiny tube-shaped pasta is ideal for catching the cheesy sauce and broccoli bits.

How to Make Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water which will be key for adjusting the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add the chopped fresh broccoli to the pan and toss with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still retains a slight crunch. This step ensures the broccoli maintains its vibrant green color and fresh flavor, which is essential for the dish’s appeal.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses gradually, allowing them to melt completely. Stir continuously to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich without being heavy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked ditalini pasta to the pan and pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so every pasta piece is drenched in the cheesy sauce and broccoli is evenly distributed. Let it cook for another minute so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce and everything comes together deliciously.

How to Serve Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe

A white bowl with a blue rim filled with creamy pasta that has small round pasta pieces mixed with green broccoli bits, all coated in a thick, white sauce with visible black pepper specks. A gold spoon holds a scoop of the pasta, showing the creamy texture and pasta detail close up. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a blurry white bowl with more of the same pasta. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of freshness and color. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese is always a winner, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes bring a sweet acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cheesy broccoli ditalini in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Alternatively, transfer it to a shallow baking dish, add some extra cheese on top, and broil it until golden and bubbly for a comforting baked pasta experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as indulgent as freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pasta, it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta initially. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of cream sauces can change slightly when frozen, but reheating gently will restore most of the creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini pasta is perfect for catching the sauce, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne will work great too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can try substituting half the heavy cream with whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce calories while still keeping a creamy texture.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or even crispy bacon make excellent additions that complement the cheesy and creamy broccoli flavor wonderfully.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender?

Cooking the broccoli just until tender-crisp in the sauté stage and avoiding overcooking ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheeses, and coconut or oat cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor dimension.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta that feels both cozy and fresh, and this Cheesy and Creamy Broccoli Ditalini Pasta Recipe nails it every time. It’s simple enough for busy evenings but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for the lush, cheesy goodness combined with garden-fresh broccoli in every bite!