Description
Indulge in this creamy and satisfying Broccoli Cheese Pasta Dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This quick and easy recipe combines tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a cheesy sauce for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 3 minutes. Drain.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, season.
- Combine and Serve: Mix pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Cook briefly, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Swap whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—thaw and drain before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
