Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups
Creamy pasta pockets filled with hidden broccoli and cheese, baked until golden for a comforting, handheld meal kids devour. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, broccoli florets, low-sodium chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Step 2: Steam broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tbsp water for 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp; cool slightly, then pulse in a food processor until finely minced.
- Step 3: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, paprika, and minced broccoli until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Fold in cooked pasta until evenly coated, then spoon mixture into greased muffin tin cups, filling each 3/4 full.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Cups?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
