One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta with Cottage Cheese
This one-pot broccoli cheddar pasta is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Cottage cheese adds protein and creates a rich, creamy sauce without needing heavy cream. With tender broccoli, melted cheddar, and kid friendly pasta, it’s a simple lunch or dinner the whole family can enjoy.
Everything cooks in one pot, which means less preparation and fewer dishes—a definite win on busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Protein-rich from cottage cheese and cheddar
- Easy way to serve broccoli
- Creamy without using heavy cream
- Toddler-friendly and family-friendly
- Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner
One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta with Cottage Cheese
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: EasyServings
3-4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
15
minutesIngredients
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 cup small pasta
1½ cups low-sodium broth
1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup cottage cheese
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Milk or water, as needed
Directions
- Add the butter, pasta, broth, finely chopped broccoli, garlic powder, and onion powder to a medium pot.
- Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and partially cover the pot. Cook for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- If the liquid is absorbed before the pasta is tender, add a small splash of water or milk and continue cooking.
- Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step is optional, but it gives the pasta a much smoother and creamier sauce.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar.
- Continue stirring until the cheddar has melted and the sauce is creamy. Add another splash of milk if you would like a thinner sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper as needed. Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving—the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
- Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
Finely chop the broccoli so it becomes soft and mixes easily into the sauce. This is especially helpful for toddlers who may not enjoy large pieces of broccoli.
For the creamiest texture, blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the pasta. Avoid boiling the pasta after adding the cottage cheese, as high heat can make the sauce look grainy.
The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the pasta shape and cooking temperature. Keep a little extra water or milk nearby and add it gradually if needed.
For a Smoother Broccoli Sauce
If your child prefers broccoli without visible pieces, remove the cooked broccoli from the pot and blend it with the cottage cheese. Stir the mixture back into the cooked pasta before adding the cheddar.
You can also mash the softened broccoli directly into the pasta using the back of a spoon.
Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this pasta with:
Finely grated carrots
Frozen peas
Chopped spinach
A small pinch of smoked paprika
Parmesan cheese for additional flavor
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The sauce will thicken after refrigeration. Add a splash of milk or water before reheating it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until the pasta is warm and creamy again.
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and may become softer after freezing, so freezing is not recommended.
My daughter loves this! She’s not a very good eater and she ate the whole bowl!