Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes. Tender pasta tossed in a rich, homemade cheese sauce, combined with lightly sautéed garlic-infused broccoli creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 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 mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped broccoli and season with salt. Stir and cook until broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce cook and thicken for a few minutes. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. Stir in the sautéed broccoli until evenly combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or toasted breadcrumbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy pasta with broccoli.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer and creamier cheese sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Mustard powder is optional but enhances the cheesy flavor.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
- For a vegetarian dish, ensure cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
