Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 16 oz medium pasta such as penne, shells, or rigatoni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and cream
- â…“ cup softened cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
- â…› teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper mixed with mustard powder
- 16 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last minute. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in half-and-half until thickened. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in bouillon, nutmeg, and pepper-mustard mixture. Remove from heat and gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Combine and Serve: Add pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Broccoli can be swapped for spinach, peas, or asparagus.
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
