Description
Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight meals and will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- Any pasta (preferably elbow macaroni or fusilli)
- Fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen broccoli)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is well coated.
- Spoon the Broccoli Cheese Pasta into bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese or breadcrumbs if desired. Enjoy while it’s hot!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Feel free to mix different cheeses for unique flavors. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for added protein. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.