Cozy Creamy Broccoli & Cheese One-Pot Pasta
Vegetarian · Toddler & Family (12m+) · en
This creamy broccoli pasta cooks entirely in one pot, creating its own velvety sauce as the pasta releases starches. Perfectly soft for 12-month-olds and deliciously cheesy for older kids and adults.
- Adults can top their portions with a pinch of red chili flakes and extra black pepper.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of warm water or milk at the end.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Age
- Toddler & Family (12m+)
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
Heat the olive oil in a large, wide pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until lightly fragrant.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the dry pasta and finely chopped broccoli.
Reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cream cheese and grated cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, forming a thick, smooth sauce. Let cool slightly before serving to young children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works wonderfully! Just roughly chop it while still frozen and add it at the same time as the pasta.
How do I safely serve this to a 12-month-old?
Ensure you choose a small, manageable pasta shape (like elbow macaroni). Make sure the broccoli is cooked until it is extremely soft, and let the dish cool down fully before offering it to your child.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite meltable plant-based alternatives, or stir in a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What you'll need
Shop this recipe
As an Amazon Associate, Parenting by Mama earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
NutriBullet NBY-50100 Baby Complete Food-Making System, 32-Oz, White, Blue, Clear
Buy on Amazon →
bella 10 Speed Countertop Blender, Juicer & Smoothie Maker, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, Slim Flip & Store Design, Dishwasher Safe 48oz Capacity Pitcher & Lid, Stainless Steel Blade, 450 Watt, Oatmilk
Buy on Amazon →
vancasso Pasta Bowls Set of 4, Ceramic Salad Serving Bowls, 42 oz Large Pasta Bowls, 8.7 in Colorful Bowl Plates for Soup, Bohemian Shallow Bowls for Kitchen, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
Buy on Amazon →
Tovla Jr Kid Safe Knife Gift Set for Real Cooking | Toddler Kitchen Knives | Montessori STEM Cooking Tools | Kids Chef Knives and Utensils | BPA Free Dishwasher Safe | Birthday Gift Ages 4 to 12
Buy on Amazon →
More ideas
Creamy Autumn Kale Mac & Cheese
This magical one-pot wonder cooks the pasta right in the milk, creating a naturally creamy sauce while sneaking in nutrient-packed autumn kale. Perfect for little tummies and busy evenings!
Vegetarian8m+
Cozy Chicken & Orzo Monsoon Porridge
This gentle chicken and orzo porridge is perfect for toddlers during the monsoon season. Infused with a hint of turmeric and ginger to settle little stomachs, it's a warm hug in a bowl that's easy to chew and digest.
nut-freetoddler
Rainy Day Alphabet Veggie Soup
This gentle and nutritious soup is perfect for toddlers during the monsoon season. Packed with soft root vegetables, sweet peas, and tiny alphabet pasta, it turns mealtime into a cozy learning adventure.
vegetariantoddler
Little Pumpkin's Creamy Chicken Noodles
This warm and comforting bowl mixes sweet, mashed autumn pumpkin with mild minced chicken and soft baby noodles. Thinning the pumpkin with a little milk creates a lovely sauce that is incredibly easy for babies to digest and enjoy.
dairy-free optional8m+
Little Bear's Salmon Rice Bites
These simple, delicious salmon rice balls are a fantastic way to introduce seafood to your baby or toddler. Made with just five ingredients, they are soft, nutritious, and perfectly sized for baby-led weaning or a fun family snack.
Pescatarian8m+
Creamy Spring Pumpkin Veggie Risotto
This easy, 30-minute pumpkin risotto blends creamy Arborio rice with sweet pumpkin puree and fresh spring vegetables. It is packed with Vitamin A and offers a fantastic texture for babies learning to chew, as well as a comforting lunch for toddlers and parents.
Vegetarian, Gluten-Free8m+