One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This comforting dish combines tender ditalini pasta with fresh chopped broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one pot for simplicity. Onion, garlic, and carrot are sautéed for depth, then simmered with vegetable broth before stirring in milk, butter, and cheese for a creamy finish. Seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg, it can be enjoyed hot and garnished with extra cheddar or pepper. A warm and satisfying dinner option that’s easy to prepare and rich in flavor.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:49:00 GMT
One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini Soup, a hearty, steaming bowl full of creamy goodness. Save
One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini Soup, a hearty, steaming bowl full of creamy goodness. | dashofstates.com

A creamy, comforting soup featuring tender ditalini pasta, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked in one pot for a quick and satisfying meal.

This soup became a family favorite after I served it on a chilly evening and everyone asked for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Broccoli florets: 4 cups (about 1 medium head), chopped small
  • Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and diced
  • Ditalini pasta: 1 cup (about 120 g) (or other small pasta)
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter), low-sodium
  • Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), grated
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (more to taste)
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
  • Ground nutmeg: Pinch (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrot sauté for 34 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3:
Stir in broccoli florets and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Step 5:
Add ditalini pasta, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 810 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
Step 6:
Lower the heat to low. Stir in milk and butter, then gradually add grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
Step 7:
Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg to taste. Simmer for 23 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8:
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
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My kids love gathering around the table for this soup, making it a joyous family tradition.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Wooden spoon, Grater for cheddar

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, butter, milk) and wheat (ditalini pasta). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 370, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 16 g (per serving)

Golden, melted cheddar tops this one-pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini Soup, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save
Golden, melted cheddar tops this one-pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini Soup, perfect for a cozy dinner. | dashofstates.com

This soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day and can be enjoyed as leftovers for another meal.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini

Comforting blend of broccoli, cheddar, and ditalini pasta cooked creamy in one pot for an easy meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 1 medium head)
05 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

Pasta

01 1 cup ditalini pasta (about 4.2 oz)

Liquids

01 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
02 1 cup whole milk

Dairy

01 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 7 oz)
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
02 ½ teaspoon black pepper
03 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
04 Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrot, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Phase 02

Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Phase 03

Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Phase 04

Bring Broth to Boil: Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil.

Phase 05

Simmer Pasta: Add ditalini pasta, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.

Phase 06

Incorporate Dairy: Lower heat to low. Stir in whole milk and unsalted butter. Gradually add grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until cheese melts and mixture becomes creamy.

Phase 07

Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg to taste. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 08

Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Necessary tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar, butter, milk) and wheat (ditalini pasta). Consider using gluten-free pasta for gluten intolerance.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 370
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 16 g