Craving a comforting and flavorful dish? Look no further than our delightful broccoli and cheese pasta recipe! This simple yet satisfying meal combines the vibrant crunch of broccoli with the creamy indulgence of cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is perfect for any skill level. With its ease of preparation and irresistible taste, you’ll find yourself whipping up this dish time and time again. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need for this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as penne, macaroni, or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
As for equipment, you’ll need a large pot for boiling the pasta and vegetables, a saucepan for making the cheese sauce, a whisk, a wooden spoon, and a colander for draining the pasta. With these essentials in place, you’re all set to embark on this culinary journey.
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a colander and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the broccoli and pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, broccoli-infused goodness!
Tips and Possible Variations
To enhance the flavor of your broccoli and cheese pasta, here are a few tips and possible variations to consider:
1. For a richer flavor, use a blend of different cheeses. Parmesan, Gouda, or Gruyere are all excellent options to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
2. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli florets work just as well. Simply thaw them before adding them to the boiling water.
3. To make a vegetarian broccoli and cheese pasta, substitute vegetable broth for the milk in the cheese sauce.