Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Need an easy Broccoli cheese pasta recipe This creamy pasta is proper lush Quick familyfriendly and guaranteed comfort food Get the simple recipe here ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper comfort food ? This Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy ticks all the boxes. Think creamy, cheesy goodness with a veggie boost.
Brief Overview
This classic dish is a hug in a bowl, straight from American kitchens. It's an easy recipe that takes about 30 minutes to rustle up. It comfortably feeds four hungry people.
Main Benefits
This cheesy broccoli pasta bake is quick to make and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a family dinner on a busy weeknight.
What makes it special is how simple and satisfying it is.
Broccoli Bliss: Why You'll Love This Recipe
Looking for easy pasta recipes ? My creamy broccoli cheese pasta is the ultimate go-to. It is perfect for weeknights. It tastes amazing. Plus, even picky eaters love it!
Straightforward Ingredients
You only need a handful of things for this bad boy. Think pasta, broccoli, butter, flour, milk, and lots of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese . It's basic, innit?
Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe Easy
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty! What you need to make this ridiculously easy and comforting broccoli cheese pasta recipe.
It’s simpler than you think. Honestly, I've made this after a long day at work, and it's still a winner.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
This section has all the essentials for my Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe easy . Remember, the measurements matter!
- Pasta & Veg:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, shells). Use your fave pasta shape.
- 3 cups (300g) broccoli florets. Fresh or frozen, your call!.
- Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is the best!
- 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups (475ml) milk. Whole or 2% works great.
- 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Quality cheddar makes a difference.
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese.
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional).
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
Seasoning Sensations
Simple seasonings make all the difference!
Salt and pepper are a must. Get some good quality stuff. Nutmeg adds a warm depth. And crushed red pepper? A cheeky little kick if you're feeling brave.
A quick tip: If you don't have nutmeg, a tiny pinch of allspice can work in a pinch.
Gear Up: What You'll Need
Don't stress about fancy equipment. Keep it simple.
- Large pot: For boiling pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large skillet or saucepan: For the cheese sauce, cheese sauce recipe.
- Whisk: Say NO to lumpy sauce.
- Cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better, trust me.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. No colander? Use a big sieve. See? Easy peasy!
Alright, let's get cooking! This Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy is the bomb. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Or, you know, any evening really! My Nan used to make something similar, but this is even better.
Cooking Method: Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy
This isn't just any pasta dish. It's a hug in a bowl. It is simple comfort food and the best thing about making it is that even a beginner can pull it off without breaking a sweat!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place is key. Chop your broccoli into florets. Grate your cheese. Mince that garlic. It will be all set for the next step.
Having everything ready saves time and stress. Honestly, it's the best way to cook.
Plus, a quick safety reminder. Be careful with that grater, yeah? No one wants a knuckle garnish!
Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Saucy!
Here's how we do it:
- Boil pasta. Add broccoli in the last 2- 3 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pan. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds .
- Stir in 2 tbsp flour. Cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk. Simmer for 3- 5 minutes .
- Stir in 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Melt until smooth.
- Add pasta and broccoli. Toss. Serve warm!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta
Want to make it even better? Freshly grate your cheese. It melts way better. Plus, don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is the goal! If the cheese sauce recipe is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
This will save your quick dinner from being too dry.
Broccoli cheese pasta recipes easy are one of the easiest pasta recipes that you can make at home in no time with simple ingredients. This will make a satisfying family dinner
Honestly, this broccoli cheese pasta recipe Easy is the ultimate in comfort food. So go on, give it a go! You won't regret it.
And who knows, it might become your new family favorite!
Recipe Notes for Your Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe Easy
So, you’re about to dive into this awesome Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy ? Ace! Just a few notes to make sure it goes swimmingly.
I've made this dish so many times, I feel like I can cook it in my sleep, but even pros have a few tricks up their sleeves!
Serving like a Pro
Plating can make all the difference, you know? For a fancy touch, twirl the creamy broccoli pasta into a nest.
Pop it on a plate and sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese and a bit of parsley. Bam! Restaurant-worthy. On the side? Some garlic bread, for sure! Or maybe a nice green salad.
A crisp glass of white wine also goes down nicely. This comfort food is a winner.
Storing the Goodness
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the Broccoli cheese pasta in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Want to freeze it? It works. Bear in mind the sauce might separate a bit. Reheating? Microwave is fine. Stir it frequently ! Or, bung it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through.
Mix it Up!
Feel like being a bit adventurous? Swap out the cheddar for some Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavour. Or maybe add some cooked chicken for extra protein if you want to get crazy with it.
If you are a vegetarian, then keep it simple, adding in the broccoli is great on its own. For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta.
It's totally up to you! This broccoli cheese pasta recipe easy is your canvas.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, I'm no nutritionist. Each serving of this cheesy broccoli pasta bake has about 400 calories, 20g of protein, 20g of fat and 40g of carbs.
So, it’s not exactly a salad. But it's packed with calcium from the cheese and vitamins from the broccoli. Besides, a little bit of what you fancy does you good! This is a perfect option of vegetarian pasta .
Plus, homemade pasta is the best, innit?
Honestly, this broccoli cheese pasta recipe easy is a winner. It's quick, it's cheesy and who doesn't love pasta? And hey, even if it's not perfect the first time, who cares? Keep tweaking it until it's exactly how you like it.
Happy cooking, folks!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe easy enough for a complete beginner?
Absolutely! This Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy is designed with beginners in mind. It mainly involves simple steps like boiling pasta and making a basic cheese sauce. If you can boil water and stir a pot, you can definitely nail this dish – it's easier than baking a Victoria sponge!
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly well in this recipe. Just add the frozen broccoli to the pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, the same as you would with fresh broccoli. Using frozen can be a real time-saver and it's just as nutritious, plus it means you can have this ready even if you haven't been to the shops!
How can I make this Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe even cheesier?
If you're a cheese fiend, like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit, there are several ways to amp up the cheesiness! You can use a blend of cheeses – think cheddar, Gruyere, and a little bit of mozzarella for extra stretch. Also, don't be shy with the Parmesan on top before serving; a generous grating makes all the difference.
What's the best way to store leftover Broccoli Cheese Pasta?
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce back up as it tends to thicken in the fridge – nobody wants dry pasta!
Can I add any other vegetables to this Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe Easy?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Cauliflower florets, sliced mushrooms, wilted spinach, or peas all work wonderfully. Just add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking, or sauté them separately and stir them into the sauce at the end - it's your tea, do what you want!
Is there any way to make this recipe healthier?
You can make the dish lighter by using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You could also substitute some of the cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese option. Adding more broccoli or other vegetables will also increase the nutrient content without significantly increasing the calories. You could even replace the milk with a plant-based alternative for a lighter, dairy-free version, just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste!
