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Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Luscious Broccoli Cheese Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a quick, creamy indulgence perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups penne or rotini pasta Use for optimal sauce adhesion
  • 4 cups water For cooking the pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Adds nutrition; avoid overcooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced for flavor
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter For making roux
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce
  • 2 cups milk Whole or low-fat
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Freshly grated melts better
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder Optional, for tang
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For mild smokiness

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add broccoli florets, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in mustard powder, black pepper, paprika, and cheese until melted.
  4. Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat. Fold in sautéed broccoli and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with extra cheese or toppings, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. Avoid overcooking broccoli for crunchiness.

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