Pasta Cheese and Trees
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—'Pasta Cheese and Trees'! This hearty, family-friendly dish pairs tender pasta with vibrant, sautéed broccoli florets, lovingly coated in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made from cheddar and Parmesan. The secret lies in creating a buttery roux infused with garlic before whisking in milk for a luscious base that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor, texture, and a hint of nostalgia, 'Pasta Cheese and Trees' is a balanced one-pan meal that satisfies both kids and adults. Serve it straight from the skillet with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible weekday treat. Keywords: pasta and broccoli recipe, creamy cheese pasta, easy family dinner, weeknight comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
- 4 cups Broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 gallon Water
Instructions
Bring 1 gallon of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Return the skillet to the stove and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious 'Pasta Cheese and Trees'!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
669 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.7 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.2 g | 121% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 116 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 1306 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.3 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 908 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 271 mg | 6% | |
*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.
