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Easy Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe – Family Favorite Comfort Food Dinner

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Broccoli Cheese Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender pasta, lightly sautéed broccoli, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
  2. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add broccoli and salt, cooking until slightly tender.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
  6. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened.
  7. Stir in mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  8. Lower heat and add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth.
  9. Combine pasta with cheese sauce.
  10. Add broccoli and mix evenly.
  11. If needed, loosen sauce with reserved pasta water.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use short pasta like penne or rotini for best sauce coverage.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
  • Do not overcook broccoli to keep texture.
  • Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dinner.lillyrecipes.com/easy-creamy-broccoli-cheese-pasta-recipe-family-favorite-comfort-food-dinner/