This high protein broccoli cheese pasta is creamy, cheesy, and made in one pot in about 20 minutes. The pasta and broccoli cook right in chicken bone broth, so every bite soaks up flavor, then chive and onion cream cheese and Parmesan melt into a silky sauce at the end. It tastes like a cozy bowl of broccoli cheese pasta, but thanks to high protein pasta and bone broth, this high protein broccoli cheese pasta actually keeps you full. It is one of those easy weeknight dinners you will want to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Pasta
- It is all made in one pot. The pasta, broccoli, and broth cook together, then the sauce comes together right in the same pan.
- There is no draining the pasta. The bone broth cooks down as the pasta cooks and turns into the base of the creamy sauce.
- The cream cheese does the heavy lifting. Chive and onion cream cheese melts into a rich, flavorful sauce without any extra seasoning or a roux.
- It is packed with protein. High protein pasta, bone broth, and Parmesan make this a pasta dinner that actually fills you up.
Ingredients Needed To Make High Protein Broccoli Cheese Pasta
The Pasta and Broccoli
Twelve ounces of high protein pasta and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Rigatoni or penne shapes are great for catching the creamy sauce.
The Broth
Chicken bone broth is what the pasta cooks in. It has more protein than regular broth and adds a rich, savory flavor. Two cups go in with the pasta, 1/4 cup goes in with the cheese, and the rest is for splashing in if things get too thick.
The Creamy Sauce
Softened chive and onion cream cheese and grated Parmesan melt together into the sauce. Plain cream cheese or any other flavor you like works too.
The Seasoning
Fresh minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The flavored cream cheese brings the rest of the flavor, so you do not need much else.
Gluten-free? Use a chickpea or lentil pasta to make this gluten-free. Just double check the label on your bone broth.
What is the best high protein pasta to use?
Any high protein pasta works, including chickpea, red lentil, or protein-blend pastas. The type you use will change the cook time, so check the package and start testing the pasta a minute or two early. Legume pastas can soak up liquid faster, so keep a little extra broth nearby in case the pot starts to look dry.
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
To a large skillet or pot, add the uncooked pasta, broccoli, 2 cups of chicken bone broth, salt, pepper, and garlic. Bring to a boil and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. The type of pasta will determine the exact cook time. If the liquid starts to evaporate before the pasta is done, add a few splashes of broth.
Step 2: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of broth. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, adding another splash of broth if needed.
Step 3: Serve
Serve right away while the sauce is warm and creamy. Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper if you like.
Variations
- Change the cream cheese: use plain, garden vegetable, or any other flavor of cream cheese you like.
- Add more protein: stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or cooked ground turkey at the end.
- Use frozen broccoli: frozen florets work too. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking so they do not get too soft.
- Make it cheddar: swap the Parmesan for shredded sharp cheddar for a more classic broccoli cheddar flavor.
- Add some heat: add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Use regular pasta: any pasta works, just adjust the cook time and broth as needed.
- Make it vegetarian: use vegetable broth in place of the chicken bone broth.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta keeps soaking up the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
What to Serve With High Protein Broccoli Cheese Pasta
This pasta is a full meal on its own, but a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread round it out nicely. Grilled or blackened chicken on the side is an easy way to add even more protein.
If you love a high protein pasta dinner, try this Cheeseburger Pasta next.
What People Ask About High Protein Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Can I use regular pasta for high protein broccoli cheese pasta?
Yes, regular pasta works just fine. It will not have as much protein, and the cook time may be a little different, so follow the package directions and add a splash more broth if the pot gets dry.
Why use bone broth instead of regular broth?
Bone broth adds extra protein and a richer flavor. Since the pasta cooks right in the broth and absorbs it, the bone broth makes the whole dish more flavorful and filling. Regular chicken broth will still work if that is what you have.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning so it stays tender without getting mushy.
High Protein Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta
- 2.5 cups chicken bone broth divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz chive & onion cream cheese softened (or plain or any other flavor of choice)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To a skillet or large pot, add the uncooked pasta, broccoli, 2 cups of chicken bone broth, salt, pepper, and garlic. Bring to a boil and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (the type of pasta will determine the cooking time). If the liquid begins to evaporate before the pasta is cooked, add a few splashes of liquid.
- Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup broth to the pasta. Mix until the cream cheese is melted, adding a splash more broth if needed.
Notes
- Cook time depends on your pasta: chickpea, lentil, and protein-blend pastas all cook differently, so follow the package time and start checking a minute or two early.
- Keep extra broth handy: the remaining 1/4 cup of broth is for splashing in if the pot gets dry or the sauce gets too thick.
- Cream cheese: chive and onion adds the most flavor, but plain or any other flavor works.
