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Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 4 cups Water for cooking the pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Salt for enhancing flavor
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets cook until slightly crisp
  • 1 teaspoon Olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter for the roux
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour for thickening
  • 2 cups Milk for creamy base
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded, freshly grated for best results
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard powder for adding depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper for mild heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika for smokiness

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the starchy water.
  3. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and toss for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking until a smooth paste forms.
  6. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
  8. Combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce and fold in the sautéed broccoli. Adjust texture with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with more cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh cheese and avoid overcooking the broccoli.

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