Description
A comforting and deliciously cheesy broccoli pasta dish with a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing broccoli)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté broccoli in olive oil before adding to pasta.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg