Broccoli Pasta
on Nov 13, 2023, Updated May 28, 2025
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Pasta nights are a staple in our household, especially when time is tight and tummies are rumbling. This healthy Broccoli Pasta has become one of our go-to meals—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it’s a delicious way to get some veggies into our day.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have on hand—you can whip up a creamy, comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that bag of frozen broccoli that’s been sitting in the freezer.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, looking for a meatless Monday option, or just need a quick dinner solution, this broccoli cream cheese pasta checks all the boxes. It’s become a regular in our meal rotation, and I hope it finds a place in yours too.
Why Broccoli Pasta is a Healthy Toddler Dinner
Quick & Easy – From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 15 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
Family-Friendly – The creamy sauce and familiar pasta make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to introduce more veggies into meals without any fuss.
Minimal Ingredients – With just pasta, broccoli, cream cheese, and garlic powder, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Customizable – Feel free to add in other ingredients like grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of parmesan to suit your family’s tastes.
What You Will Need
- 1 1/2 cups steamed broccoli (fresh or frozen). I like to use a frozen bag and steam it in the microwave!
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4–1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups pasta of your choice
How to Make This Broccoli Pasta Sauce
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli until tender. If using frozen broccoli, microwaving is a quick and easy method.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed broccoli, cream cheese, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, adding more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the broccoli sauce over the pasta and stir until well combined.
5. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Cream cheese- you can use Mascarpone cheese instead.
- Garlic powder– use 1 tsp minced garlic if you don’t have garlic powder.
- Broccoli– swap for cauliflower for a different delicious taste.
Storing Extra Cream Cheese Broccoli Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freezer for 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Common Questions
Can I use either fresh or frozen broccoli?
- Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe too. Just steam or microwave it until soft before blending it into the sauce or mixing with the pasta.
How can I add more protein and veggies?
- Stir in cooked chicken, ground turkey, white beans, or even a scoop of plain Greek yogurt to boost the protein content without changing the flavor too much. You can also add-in cherry tomatoes or mushrooms.
Is this toddler broccoli pasta allergy-friendly?
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed, and swap dairy milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free. Always double-check ingredient labels, especially for packaged items, to ensure they fit your family’s allergy needs.
More Easy Dinner Recipes for Toddlers
Feta Orzo Bake – A cozy, cheesy one-dish meal featuring tender orzo pasta baked with tangy feta cheese, spinach, and tomatoes. This bake is comforting, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, hands-off dinner that kids and adults both enjoy.
Roasted Hidden Veggie Pasta – A delicious pasta sauce made by roasting a mix of veggies like tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, then blending them into a creamy sauce. This hidden veggie pasta is a tasty, family-friendly way to get more vegetables into picky eaters’ plates without any fuss.
Pea and Cream Cheese Pinwheels – Soft dough spread with creamy cheese and mashed peas, rolled up and baked into bite-sized pinwheels. These fun, colorful snacks are easy to make and perfect for toddlers’ lunchboxes, snacks, or party platters.
Spinach Tortellini Soup – A warm, comforting soup loaded with cheesy tortellini and fresh spinach in a mild broth. It’s a great way to serve veggies in a soothing, kid-approved meal that’s perfect for cooler days or anytime you want something nourishing and easy.
Pizza Pinwheels – These pizza pinwheels are made with dough rolled up with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then sliced and baked to golden perfection. They’re a fun, handheld meal or snack that kids love, ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or quick dinners.
Tag me @reallittlemeals if you’ve tried this easy cream cheese broccoli pasta! I’d love to see your yummy creations!
Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli, steamed
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4-1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package.
- Steam broccoli. (I use frozen broccoli and steam it in the microwave).
- In a food processor or blender, blend up broccoli, cream cheese, pasta water, and garlic powder.
- Add broccoli sauce to the pasta and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great recipe! Hope the dude likes it!
Thanks! I hope so too!
Kids loved it 💖 thank you keep sharing your fab recipes please 🙏🏼
I’m so glad it was a hit!
This was actually so tasty! I added in some quartered grape tomatoes. I’m pregnant and struggling to find meals that don’t make me gag and this did it! My 18 month old didn’t eat much but I’ll offer it again. His desires change hour by hour.
Tonight we are trying with cauliflower.
Thank you! Can this be frozen?
Yes, for up to 3 months!
My toddler loved this! We have so much leftover, what’s the best way to reheat?
Yay, I’m so glad it was a hit! Reheat in the microwave for 30 second increments!
In the recipe it’s says pasta water twice but which amount do we use? Thank you.
Its 1/4 cup-1/2 cup pasta water depending on the consistency you want!
Hi,
Can you use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese ?
That should be fine!
My 3.5 year old and 10 month old loved this! Even myself and hubby had a serving. So simple and quick to whip up. Will definitely make again 🙂
I am so happy it was a hit!
This recipe was easy and quick to prepare. Instead of using our food processor, I opted to use our immersion blender to blend the broccoli, cream cheese, and (fresh) garlic). This meal was a hit with my kids! I’d love to see another version of this recipe that includes chicken.
I’m so glad this was a hit!