Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring broccoli and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Blanch the Broccoli: In the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli florets. Drain pasta and broccoli together.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in milk while whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta and Broccoli: Fold in pasta and broccoli, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Season It Up: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve It Up: Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.
Notes
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta or mix in other veggies like cauliflower or spinach. Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal or pesto for a fresh twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta, Cheesy Broccoli Pasta, Comfort Food