Description
Indulge in a creamy and cheesy delight with this Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce, with sautéed broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (adds a slight smokiness)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Use a large pot to cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving pasta water.
- Prepare the Broccoli – Sauté garlic and broccoli in olive oil until tender.
- Make the Cheese Sauce – Create a roux, then add milk and seasonings. Melt in cheese until creamy.
- Combine Everything – Mix pasta with cheese sauce and broccoli. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy – Garnish and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use short pasta for better sauce coverage.
- Grate cheese fresh for a creamier melt.
- Keep broccoli slightly crisp for texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
