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Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta like penne or rotini
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Broccoli and Sauce
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free option
  • 2 cups milk or dairy-free alternative
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Gouda for a twist
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add broccoli, season with salt, and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook until smooth and lightly golden.
  4. Gradually add milk while whisking. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or red pepper flakes as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 16gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh cheese for the best melting consistency and cook broccoli until slightly tender for a nice crunch.

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