Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner that is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying family meal. This dish combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce for a delicious stovetop dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broccoli:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, toasted in 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, adding broccoli for the last 3 minutes. Drain.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, add warm milk and cream, stir until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheeses, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Add pasta and broccoli to cheese sauce, stir to coat. Optionally, top with buttered breadcrumbs before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or diced ham. Frozen broccoli can be used—thaw and drain before adding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
