Description

A rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender broccoli and a creamy homemade cheese sauce. This easy, kid-friendly recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy meatless meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

For the Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella + Parmesan)

½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Sauté broccoli: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Cook garlic for 30 seconds, add broccoli and salt, and sauté until tender. Set aside.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add mustard, salt, pepper, paprika. Stir in cheese until melted.
Combine: Add pasta to cheese sauce and stir in broccoli. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Serve: Top with extra cheese or seasonings and enjoy hot.

Notes

Freshly grated cheese melts better and makes a smoother sauce.
Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon for protein.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make it GF-friendly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American