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Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Easy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Enjoy this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe, a creamy vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Short pastas like penne or rotini hold the sauce better.
  • 4 cups Water Essential for boiling the pasta.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor while cooking.
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen, cook until just tender.
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil Use extra virgin for richer flavor.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced for aroma.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt For seasoning the broccoli.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour To create a roux.
  • 2 cups Milk Adds creaminess; whole or low-fat.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Main cheese; substitute with Gruyère if desired.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder Enhances cheese flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, add 12 oz pasta, and cook until al dente.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil, sauté 1 minced garlic clove for 30 seconds, then add 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter, mix in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until thickened.
  4. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Stir until melted.
  5. Combine drained pasta in the cheese sauce, mix well, then gently fold in sautéed broccoli.
  6. Serve warm in bowls, garnishing with extra cheese or paprika if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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