Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni, a creamy, cheesy pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender rigatoni tossed with vibrant broccoli florets and enveloped in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and parmesan, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and wholesome green goodness. A touch of garlic and onion powder elevates the sauce, while the optional golden panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. Ready in just 35 minutes and easy to prepare, this irresistibly creamy pasta is a family-friendly favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs, if using, and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the breadcrumbs from the pan and set aside for topping later.
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the drained rigatoni and broccoli to the cheese sauce, tossing until well coated.
Serve immediately, topped with toasted breadcrumbs if desired. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 241.9 g | 310% | |
| Saturated Fat | 141.9 g | 710% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 697 mg | 232% | |
| Sodium | 5963 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 219.7 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.9 g | ||
| Protein | 146.3 g | 293% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 3336 mg | 257% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1307 mg | 28% | |
*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.
