One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner made with tender pasta shells and fresh broccoli tossed in a rich, cheesy Greek yogurt sauce. It’s cozy, family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: broccoli cheddar pasta, broccoli cheese pasta, creamy broccoli pasta, easy vegetarian dinner, family-friendly pasta, healthy broccoli pasta, one pot creamy broccoli cheddar pasta, one pot pasta
Servings: 6
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk plus more as needed
- 12 oz medium pasta shells about 4 1/2 cups
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt at room temperature
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir in the pasta, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and smoked paprika.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Cover and continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Add another splash of broth or milk if the pasta absorbs the liquid before it finishes cooking.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the shredded cheddar one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in the room-temperature Greek yogurt until fully incorporated. Add a splash of milk if a thinner sauce is desired.
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed. Let the pasta rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving, as the sauce will continue to thicken.
Serving: 1/6th of recipe | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 620mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g