Description
Irresistible cheesy and creamy broccoli pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor each forkful of this quick, satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, shells, or any short pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Topping:
- Extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Initiate by preparing a generously salted water bath in a substantial cooking vessel, allowing it to reach a vigorous boil for pasta preparation.
- Submerge pasta into the roiling liquid, following package guidance for optimal cooking duration. Introduce broccoli florets during the final three minutes of pasta transformation.
- Carefully extract pasta and verdant vegetables, reserving them momentarily while maintaining their warmth and texture.
- Transition to the same culinary receptacle, melting butter over moderate thermal intensity. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the environment for approximately one minute.
- Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic amalgamation, creating a foundational roux through gentle manipulation and consistent stirring.
- Gradually integrate milk, whisking methodically to eliminate potential luminary clusters, allowing the mixture to evolve and thicken through consistent thermal exposure.
- Gracefully fold cheddar and parmesan varieties into the developing sauce, ensuring complete integration and achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Season the emerging sauce with precise salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to elevate flavor complexity.
- Reunite the reserved pasta and broccoli with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating through delicate folding techniques.
- Warm the entire composition thoroughly, guaranteeing harmonious temperature and flavor distribution.
- Present the dish immediately, optionally adorning with additional cheese shavings or fresh parsley for visual and gustatory enhancement.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
- Use fresh broccoli for crisp texture and maximum nutritional value, cutting florets into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or crispy bacon for a more substantial meal.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 456
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg