Description
A delicious and creamy broccoli cheese pasta recipe that combines tender pasta, sautéed broccoli, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
- 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: Use a large pot to bring water to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in broccoli florets, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender.
- Make the Cheese Sauce - Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux without browning it.
- Make the Cheese Sauce - Step 2: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika to the thickened sauce.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Fold in the sautéed broccoli evenly.
- 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 and enjoy the creamy and flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Mustard powder enhances the depth of the cheese sauce—don’t skip it.
- Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce butter by half.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread.
