This healthy One Pot Broccoli Alfredo Pasta has a delicious, creamy sauce that’s healthier than traditional fettuccine alfredo!
You really can’t go wrong with a big bowl of creamy Alfredo pasta! I love adding broccoli to this one for some extra veggies, and the fact that it all cooks in one pot makes it even better.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthier comfort food: Get all that creamy, cheesy Alfredo flavour with a lighter twist.
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in one pot for an easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Ready in 30 mins: This quick broccoli Alfredo pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Butter – or a butter substitute of your choice like margarine or olive oil.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Vegetable broth – chicken broth is the best substitute here.
- Milk – I use 2% milk, but you can use any milk or dairy-free milk of your choice.
- Rotini pasta – use any pasta of your choice like penne, fusili or even gluten-free pasta.
- Broccoli – you can use either fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe.
- Heavy cream – half and half would also work, but the pasta won’t be as creamy.
- Parmesan cheese – nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free substitute.
How to make broccoli alfredo pasta
Step 1: Sauté the garlic.
Saute the garlic in the butter.
Step 2: Make the sauce.
Add in the broth, milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Add the pasta.
Coat the pasta in the sauce and stir.
Step 4: Stir in the broccoli.
Add in the broccoli.
Step 5: Add cream and cheese.
Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Garnish with extra parmesan on top and dig in!
tips and variations
This broccoli Alfredo pasta couldn’t be easier, but here are some tips and ways to make it perfect:
- Cook pasta just right: Slightly undercook the pasta before adding the cream and cheese, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or toss in some shrimp for a heartier meal.
- More veggies: Try with cauliflower instead of broccoli or add in some peas or spinach.
- Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of traditional pasta.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cracked black pepper for a subtle kick.
Frequently asked questions
How do I thicken the sauce?
The heavy cream and parmesan cheese will make the alfredo sauce nice and thick, but if you want it to be even thicker, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add meat to the pasta?
Yes! If you want to add some extra protein to this pasta, top it with some juicy chicken breast or even some grilled shrimp.
How do I make this dairy-free?
If you want to try making this alfredo pasta dairy-free, you’ll need to swap out the milk and heavy cream for a dairy-free milk of your choice (like almond milk or soy milk), and substitute the parmesan for nutritional yeast. The pasta likely won’t be as creamy, but you could definitely give it a try!
What to serve with this alfredo pasta
- A fresh salad like my kale salad or arugula salad
- As side of veggies like my garlic parm asparagus, green bean fries, or zucchini fries
- Some protein like my favourite marinated chicken breast, baked chicken thighs, or salmon
Storing, freezing, and reheating
Storing: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. For convenience, divide the pasta into individual portions and store in airtight containers.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing: This broccoli alfredo pasta freezes well! Store in freezer-safe glass containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating from frozen: Microwave straight from frozen for 6-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to maintain the creamy texture. Finish with fresh parmesan before serving.
More one pot pasta recipes
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this pasta into leftovers.
One Pot Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Equipment
- Glass meal prep bowls for leftovers or meal prep portions
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 lb rotini pasta about 4 cups
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add minced garlic, sauteeing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in broth, milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium.
- Add pasta, coating in sauce. Stir occasionally until liquid has been mostly absorbed, about 15 minutes. Stir in broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cook time, again stirring occasionally.
- Once liquid has mostly absorbed, pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let sit off the heat for 2 minutes for sauce to thicken. Serve in pasta bowls, garnishing with extra parm on top, then enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Marlene says
Do you cook/boil the pasta separately and then add it to the pot?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Marlene – the pasta will cook in the pot. No need to cook separately then add to the pot!
Rina says
How much is a serving for this dish?
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Rina! You divide the recipe in 4 and that is one serving!
Sarah | Well and Full says
Wow this looks so insanely creamy and dreamy! I can’t get enough of these gorgeous photos 🙂
Izzy @ She Likes Food says
This looks SO good!! I love one pot dishes, especially when pasta and cheese is involved!