Broccoli Cheese Pasta Toss
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant green veggies, this Broccoli Cheese Pasta Toss is the ultimate comfort food dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! Tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli are enveloped in a rich, homemade cheddar-Parmesan sauce infused with a touch of garlic for bold flavor. The easy one-pot preparation makes cleanup simple, while the silky roux-based cheese sauce guarantees a luscious, restaurant-quality texture. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this quick and wholesome pasta dish is perfect for the whole family and pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. Keywords: broccoli cheese pasta, one-pot pasta, quick dinner recipes, cheesy pasta recipes, easy family meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but 2 minutes before it's done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the drained pasta and broccoli to prevent sticking, then add them back to the pot with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
625 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.4 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 3111 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 903 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 215 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
