Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender pasta and sautéed broccoli come together in a rich cheese sauce that’s full of flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Step 2: Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender.
4. Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, forming a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce cook and thicken for a few minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. Then fold in the sautéed broccoli until evenly distributed.
9. Step 9: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
10. Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy broccoli cheese pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor or mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to change up the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux and gluten-free pasta.
• Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to turn this into a heartier meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative designed to melt smoothly.

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

This comforting Broccoli Cheese Pasta combines tender pasta and sautéed broccoli with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish satisfies with its cheesy flavor and wholesome vegetables.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for broccoli)

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
2. Sauté Broccoli: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Cook the broccoli for a few minutes until it becomes slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Prepare Roux for Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about one minute to cook the flour and form a smooth roux.
4. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to enhance the flavor.
5. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Stir in the sautéed broccoli to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
7. Adjust Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the Broccoli Cheese Pasta warm for the best cheesy and comforting taste experience. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best.
• If you want a sharper cheese flavor, try using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or aged cheddar.
• For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and reduce the butter amount.
• The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting the flavors.
• You can add cooked chicken or bacon for added protein if desired.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Pasta, Cheesy Pasta, Easy Pasta Dinner, One-Pot Pasta, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Vegetarian Pasta