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Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe 

Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe 
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★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

This Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with tender sautéed broccoli and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from scratch. It’s an easy, comforting dish that balances fresh veggies with a cheesy indulgence, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
  • 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 a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (adds a slight smokiness)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Use a large pot to boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in chopped broccoli and season with salt. Cook for a few minutes until broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about a minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens. Stir in mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well. Stir in sautéed broccoli to distribute evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy pasta delight.

Notes

  • Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Grating your own cheese ensures better melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Mustard powder is optional but enhances the cheesy flavor.
  • Use whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce; substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or toasted breadcrumbs for texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/broccoli-cheese-pasta-recipe/