Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli: Your Go-To Healthy & Quick Pasta Dinner Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of pasta. For many, it’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic that never fails to bring joy to the dinner table. But what if you could enjoy that beloved pasta dinner with all the flavor and none of the guilt? Imagine a version that’s not only delicious but also healthier, lighter, and packed with wholesome goodness. This Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli recipe is exactly that – a delightful dish that transforms a traditional favorite into a low-calorie, nutrient-rich meal your whole family will adore.

We all crave meals that are both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, especially after a long day. This recipe hits all those notes, offering a perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets. It’s a brilliant solution for busy weeknights, cooking up in under 30 minutes, yet tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly dinner that truly delivers on both taste and health, then you’ve found your new favorite. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create such a flavorful and hearty meal.

My family, especially my boys, are huge pasta enthusiasts. Any pasta dish typically vanishes from our table in record time, and this “Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli” was no exception. It was devoured almost instantly! The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and efficiency. You start by cooking your chosen penne pasta – I opted for a low-carb variety like Dreamfield’s to keep it on the healthier side, but any penne will work beautifully. Towards the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you introduce fresh broccoli florets directly into the boiling water, allowing them to blanch to a perfect tender-crisp texture in just three minutes. This smart timing ensures your pasta and broccoli are ready at the same moment, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Once drained, the pasta and broccoli are tossed with a homemade, healthier cheese sauce that’s surprisingly rich and creamy despite its lower calorie count. This sauce is the star of the show, bringing together the dish with a comforting, cheesy embrace. The result is a delicious and incredibly comforting dinner that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s an ideal meal for those seeking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste, or for anyone looking for a lighter take on classic comfort food. I highly recommend trying this recipe tonight and experiencing the magic for yourself!

Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli

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Course:
Main

Cuisine:
Italian

Author:
Jenn

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta I used Dreamfield’s low carb
• 5 cups broccoli florets about 1 large head
• 1-1/3 cups fat-free milk divided
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp. grated fresh parmesan cheese divided
• 2 Tbsp. reduced fat Neufchatel cream cheese
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• pinch of nutmeg
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to pasta water; drain pasta and broccoli after the 3 minutes is up. Place pasta and broccoli in a large bowl.
2. Combine milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth.
3. Add cheese mixture to pasta mixture; toss. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. ENJOY!!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light

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Why Choose This Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli?

In a world full of heavy, calorie-laden comfort foods, this Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli stands out as a beacon of healthy indulgence. The beauty of this dish lies in its clever adaptations that significantly reduce calories and fat without compromising on that satisfying, cheesy goodness. By using fat-free milk and reduced-fat Neufchatel cream cheese, we create a rich, creamy sauce that feels decadent but is surprisingly light. This healthier base allows you to enjoy the full flavor profile of a classic macaroni and cheese, but with a fraction of the dietary impact.

Beyond its health benefits, this recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity and speed. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a piping hot, homemade meal on the table, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. The one-pot cooking method for the pasta and broccoli also means less cleanup, which is always a welcome bonus for any home cook. It’s an ideal choice for families, as kids generally love pasta and cheese, and the inclusion of vibrant green broccoli provides essential vitamins and fiber, often hidden within the creamy sauce.

The Power of Key Ingredients

• Low-Carb Penne Pasta: Opting for a low-carb pasta like Dreamfield’s significantly lowers the overall carbohydrate count, making this dish suitable for those watching their carb intake. However, any whole wheat or regular penne pasta works if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Pasta is a great source of sustained energy, and choosing a healthier variety can enhance the nutritional profile of your meal.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Adding it directly to the pasta water during the final minutes of cooking ensures it’s perfectly tender-crisp, retaining its vibrant color and nutritional value. It adds a wonderful texture and a fresh, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the rich cheese sauce.
• Fat-Free Milk & Reduced-Fat Neufchatel Cream Cheese: These are the secret weapons behind the “skinny” aspect of this recipe. Fat-free milk provides the creamy base without excess saturated fat, while Neufchatel cream cheese offers that luxurious, smooth consistency of traditional cream cheese but with fewer calories and less fat. Together, they create a light yet incredibly flavorful sauce.
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese: A touch of grated fresh Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Using it in moderation allows you to enjoy its distinct taste without overdoing the calories. Divided, it’s used both within the sauce and as a garnish.
• Dijon Mustard & Nutmeg: These two ingredients might seem unusual in a cheese sauce, but they are crucial for enhancing flavor. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that brightens the cheese, while a pinch of nutmeg provides a warm, earthy aroma and flavor that is a classic pairing with creamy, cheesy dishes. Don’t skip these; they make a big difference!

Tips for Success and Variations

Achieving the perfect Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli is simple with a few helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Three minutes in boiling water is usually ideal for tender-crisp broccoli. Overcooking will make it mushy and diminish its vibrant color.
• Whisk Vigorously: When combining the milk and flour, ensure you whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, consistent sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your cheese sauce before tossing with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a little more Dijon or nutmeg to suit your preference.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. It adds a pleasant warmth that complements the creamy cheese.
• Add Protein: This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can easily boost its protein content. Stir in cooked, shredded chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or even some crumbled turkey sausage during the final toss. For a vegetarian protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or white beans.
• Vary the Veggies: While broccoli is a star, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Asparagus spears, peas, spinach (wilt it into the hot pasta), or even sautéed mushrooms would be delicious additions.
• Cheese Choices: If you don’t have cheddar, a blend of Gruyere and Monterey Jack can also work well, just be mindful of their fat content if strictly adhering to the “skinny” aspect.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli is a complete meal in itself, offering both carbohydrates and vegetables. However, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for added freshness and crunch. A slice of whole-grain garlic bread can also be a delightful accompaniment for dipping into the creamy sauce. For a more sophisticated touch, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the dish perfectly.

This recipe isn’t just about cutting calories; it’s about smart eating and maximizing flavor with wholesome ingredients. It’s proof that healthy food can be incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying. So go ahead, give this Skinny Cheesy Penne with Broccoli a try. It’s an easy-to-make, family-approved, and guilt-free pasta dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the comfort without the compromise!