If you love a creamy white pasta sauce then this recipe is for you! It is a kid, toddler, and adult friendly pasta recipe that cooks in under 15 minutes and is as convenient and comforting as it can get. This recipe was inspired by my kids love for pasta with broccoli. Plus, it comes together in a matter of minutes. Want something with more flavor? Then give my One Pot Mexican Mac and Cheese with Homemade Cheese Sauce a try. Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
A total of 8 ingredients! With an option to add spice such as Trader Joe’s Chili Oil.
pastacream/milkflour (only if using milk)fresh parmesan cheesebouillon cubes/paste/powderfresh garlic (optional)waterbutter
See recipe card for quantities. Add extra veggies if you like! Carrots are a great addition according to my toddler. which is another favorite vegetable of hers.
Instructions (one pot)
Boil pasta and broccoli in a pot with just water (no salt) and drain the water completely. TIP: add broccoli half way through the cooking process to keep the broccoli whole. Add butter, cream, parmesan cheese, fresh grated garlic, and bouillon to the pot. (skip the flour and butter roux for one pot option) Mix the contents together and let it thicken. Serve warm. TIP: Add extra veggies such as carrots or baby spinach.
Substitutions
Cream- substitute with a mixture of milk + flourParmesan Cheese- Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joe’sBroccoli- Substitute with other vegetables such as carrots or asparagus
Variations
Toddler Pasta Recipe- Use cream, butter, salt free bouillon, and no salt (no salt before 1 was my practice)Kid Friendly- eliminate the garlic and use cream (fats are healthy for kids brain development)Spicy- Add crushed red chili flakesDeluxe- Add baby spinach
Equipment Needed
One large potSmall pot to make creamy parmesan sauce (optional)Grater to grate parmesan cheese and fresh garlicSpatula
Storage Ideas
Refrigerate - it stores well for a few days if you like thick sauce that clings to pasta. Large Quantity- If making for a large gathering, I recommend making it the day of and storing it in an oven safe pan for easy warming
Top Tips
Try these other pasta recipes…
📖 Recipe
