Description
This Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe is a creamy and cheesy delight that combines tender pasta, sautéed broccoli, and a flavorful cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to enjoy.
Ingredients
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 the pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Sauté garlic, add broccoli, season, cook until tender.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk, season, stir in cheese until creamy.
- Combine Everything: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, add sautéed broccoli, adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking the broccoli to a vibrant green ensures it stays crisp and flavorful.
- Adjust the cheese sauce thickness by adding more pasta water as needed.
- Feel free to customize with additional seasonings or mix-ins for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
