Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy pasta dish with this recipe for Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender pasta with vibrant broccoli in a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta, and add broccoli for the last few minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Simmer until thickened, then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Toss drained pasta and broccoli in the cheese sauce until coated. Serve warm, topped with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain before adding.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor.
- Enhance with cooked chicken or bacon for added protein.
