Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- 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
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/broccoli-cheese-pasta-recipe/
