Creamy Broccoli Pasta is the sort of dish that quietly earns a permanent place in your weekly routine. It feels comforting, familiar, and reliable, yet it never becomes boring. As part of our new Five Ingredient Fridays collection, this dish proves that simple cooking can still deliver depth and satisfaction. With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, it offers flavour, texture, and warmth in every bowl.
Broccoli plays a central role and brings more than just colour. When cooked properly, it becomes tender while keeping a gentle bite. Its fresh, slightly sweet flavour balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. Rather than acting as a side note, broccoli takes confidence in this dish. It provides structure and keeps the meal feeling light, even when cream enters the picture.
The pasta acts as a steady foundation and carries the sauce effortlessly. Short pasta shapes work especially well, as they catch the creamy coating in every curve. Because of this, each forkful feels generous and complete. The pasta never feels drowned, which keeps the dish enjoyable from the first bite to the last. Balance matters here, and this dish understands that well.
Cream brings everything together in a smooth and comforting way. It softens the broccoli and rounds out sharper flavours. However, the dish avoids heaviness through careful restraint. Garlic lifts the sauce with warmth and aroma, while cheese adds savoury depth. Together, these ingredients create a harmony that feels indulgent without excess.
As with many Five Ingredient Fridays dishes, simplicity becomes the real strength. Each ingredient has a clear role and nothing feels unnecessary. Because of this, the flavours remain clean and confident. There is no confusion on the plate, which makes the dish both relaxing to cook and satisfying to eat. That clarity appeals strongly at the end of a long week.
When served, Creamy Broccoli Pasta feels welcoming and familiar. Steam rises from the bowl and carries the scent of garlic and cheese. The green of the broccoli stands out against the pale sauce, making the dish look as good as it tastes. Because the ingredients are recognisable, it invites everyone at the table to dig in without hesitation.
Furthermore, this dish adapts easily to different moments. It works well as a quick family meal. It also suits a relaxed evening when comfort matters most. A simple salad on the side adds contrast, while crusty bread never feels out of place. The dish holds its own without needing much support.
Texture plays an important role in keeping things interesting. Soft pasta contrasts with the slight bite of broccoli. The sauce coats rather than overwhelms. As a result, each mouthful feels distinct and satisfying. This balance encourages slower eating and proper enjoyment.
Finally, Creamy Broccoli Pasta captures the spirit of Five Ingredient Fridays perfectly. It shows that everyday ingredients can still create something memorable. The dish feels honest, calm, and reassuring. It delivers comfort without complication and flavour without fuss. On a Friday evening, when energy runs low and expectations remain high, this is exactly the kind of meal that earns its place at the table.
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta orecchiette, penne or fusilli work well
- 250 g broccoli cut into small florets
- 200 ml double cream
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 40 g mature cheddar or Parmesan, finely grated
Staples (not counted):
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente.250 g pasta
- Add the broccoli for the final three minutes of cooking.250 g broccoli
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a wide frying pan.Olive oil
- Add the chopped garlic and cook gently.2 cloves garlic
- Stir for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour the cream into the pan.200 ml double cream
- Reduce the heat and stir well.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for three minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper.Salt, Black pepper
- Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Stir in most of the grated cheese.250 g pasta
- Cook for one further minute until smooth.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
- Finish with extra cheese and black pepper.40 g mature cheddar