---
title: Broccoli Cheddar & Jalapeño Cavatappi
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/broccoli-cheddar-and-jalapeno-cavatappi-68e66a71653f7d23af28ff86
servings: 2
prep time: 5 minutes
cook time: 15 minutes
time required: 20 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens: [Wheat, Milk]
tags: [Veggie, High Protein, Quick, Easy Prep]
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 4000
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights: [{theme: Flavor, text: Some found it bland and suggested adding extra seasoning for depth.}, {theme: Ease of prep, text: Super easy and quick to make, though smoothing the cheese sauce may require gradual pasta water addition.}]
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/broccoli-cheddar-jalape-o-cavatappi.avif"
---

@cavatappi pasta{8%oz}
@tuscan heat spice{1%tsp}
@white cheddar cheese{1%cup}
@garlic powder{1%tsp}
@jalapeño{1%unit}
@scallions{3%unit}
@crispy fried onions{½%cup}
@cheddar cheese{1%cup}
@sour cream{¼%cup}
@cream cheese{1%oz}
@broccoli{2%cups}
@vidalia onion paste{1%tbsp}
@olive oil{1%tbsp}
@salt{1%tsp}
@black pepper{1%tsp}

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Finely dice jalapeño, removing ribs and seeds for less heat.

Once water is boiling, add cavatappi pasta to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

While pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, scallion whites, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and as much jalapeño as you like. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender ~{5%minutes}. Reduce heat to low; stir in white cheddar cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, vidalia onion paste, garlic powder, half the tuscan heat spice, and ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened ~{2%minutes}. Turn off heat. -- If pasta is not done cooking, ladle pasta cooking water directly from pot. Keep broccoli and sauce covered off heat until pasta is finished cooking.

Stir drained cavatappi pasta into pan with sauce until thoroughly coated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if desired. -- If pasta seems dry, stir in splashes of reserved pasta cooking water as needed. Divide pasta between bowls; top with scallion greens and crispy fried onions. Serve.