How to make Creamy Vegetable Pasta at home | BROCCOLI AND CHEESE PASTA | PASTA RECIPE

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil is healthier while sunflower oil is often less expensive.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: pasta made from lentils

Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber, while lentil pasta is protein-rich.

Boil water in a large pot and add salt until it reaches a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of cooking water, and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in diced broccoli and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.

If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens