Witch Night Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

This magical broccoli cheddar pasta is my answer to chilly evenings and festive gatherings when you want both comfort and a little bit of kitchen enchantment. Tender green broccoli, plenty of sharp cheddar, and a kiss of garlic all swirl around your favorite short noodles in a creamy sauce that never fails to bring big smiles. Whether you are conjuring up Halloween fun or simply craving something cozy, a bowl of this pasta makes any night feel special.

I first made this on a rainy autumn night when everyone needed cheering up The cheerful green broccoli and golden sauce were such a hit that now we return to it whenever comfort is required

Ingredients

• Short pasta like fusilli penne or shells: Choose sturdy shapes that hold sauce and cook up plump Look for Italian or bronze-cut for best texture
• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli holds up beautifully and soaks in the sauce Go for bright green tight heads for best flavor
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add gentle heat and a savory background Look for plump firm bulbs
• Red onion: Gives subtle sweetness and a pop of color Go for small ones with shiny skin and no soft spots
• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the cheese sauce Use top-quality for best flavor
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce Look for unbleached for cleanest taste
• Whole milk: Brings creamy body and richness Use high-fat for silkier sauce Avoid ultra-pasteurized if possible
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show Grate your own for best melt and flavor Buy from the cheese counter if you can
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a little tang Use brick-style for smoothest results
• Dijon mustard: Lifts the sauce with sharpness and depth A little goes a long way Try to find a good French brand
• Smoked paprika: Brings subtle warmth and complexity Spanish smoked paprika gives the best flavor
• Fresh black pepper: Gives a final punch of heat and earthiness Grind fresh for aroma
• Fresh chives or parsley: Optional but adds color and freshness Use bright green herbs without wilt
• Extra cheddar: Optional for serving Offers gooey top layer or sprinkle as garnish

Instructions

Boil the Pasta and Broccoli:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil Add your short pasta and cook according to package directions until just barely tender For the last three minutes tip in the broccoli florets Let them bubble along with the pasta so they cook through but stay bright green Once both are done drain thoroughly and set aside

Sauté Aromatics:

While the pasta is cooking heat butter in a wide skillet over medium heat Let it melt until just foaming Add the finely chopped red onion Stir and cook for two to three minutes until soft and translucent stirring often Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned This step builds a flavorful savory backbone for your sauce

Make the Roux and Whisk the Sauce:

Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the onion and garlic Immediately stir with a wooden spoon to coat the aromatics Let this cook for one minute stirring constantly to eliminate raw flour taste Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly making sure no lumps form Keep stirring as the mixture thickens and bubbles about three to four minutes until it coats the back of a spoon

Melt in the Cheeses and Spices:

Reduce the heat to low Add grated sharp cheddar cheese cream cheese Dijon mustard smoked paprika and a couple twists of fresh black pepper Stir gently until everything melts together into a smooth creamy sauce Make sure to scrape the edges so no pockets of cheese are left unmelted

Combine Pasta Broccoli and Sauce:

Tumble the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cheese sauce Use tongs or a big spoon to toss gently until everything is thoroughly coated in cheesy goodness Let it warm through for one to two minutes so flavors meld

Serve and Garnish:

Pile the pasta into warm bowls or onto a serving platter Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for color and freshness Finish with extra grated cheddar if you like it extra cheesy Serve piping hot

Save

My favorite part is stirring in the cheddar and watching it create those gorgeous golden ribbons My kids say the creamy sauce makes it taste like a treat every single time Once we tried adding a handful of spinach for color and it quickly became a family tradition

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before spooning into airtight containers The pasta stays good in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat gently with a splash of milk on the stove or in the microwave until creamy

Ingredient Substitutions

Cauliflower florets or baby spinach stand in well for broccoli Use a splash of evaporated milk or half and half if you are out of whole milk For a garlicky twist roasted garlic cloves add a mellow background

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad and a hunk of crusty bread for a beautiful dinner If you are going for a Halloween theme scatter the top with black sesame seeds or use purple carrot ribbons for a spooky look This pasta is equally at home on a busy weeknight or a festive buffet

Cultural Context

Cheddar cheese pasta is a classic in American comfort food but the green broccoli and smoky paprika make this version feel extra special On chilly autumn nights pasta like this brings everyone together around the table

Save

Warm comforting and festive this broccoli cheddar pasta will make any night feel like a celebration Give it a whirl and let new family traditions begin

Recipe FAQ

→ How can I make the flavor stronger?

Use extra-sharp cheddar, add more garlic, or try a pinch of cayenne for more intensity.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or shells hold the sauce and broccoli well for even coating.

→ Can I replace broccoli with another vegetable?

Yes, cauliflower or spinach makes a great substitute, maintaining the creamy, colorful theme.

→ How do I achieve a spooky ‘Witch Night’ look?

Use purple pasta or sprinkle black sesame seeds for a magical touch and dramatic appearance.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

It is vegetarian—just confirm cheese labels to ensure no animal rennet is used in production.

→ What are the best garnishes?

Fresh chives or parsley, or extra grated cheddar, add both flavor and a festive finish.