Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4.5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 shallot (diced)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2.25 cup chicken broth
• 2 cup half & half
• 3 cup pasta (dry pasta)
• 1.5 cup broccoli (uncooked, chopped)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp oregano
• salt & pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Colby jack cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup parmesan (shredded)
• fresh parsley flakes (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot over medium heat, add the 2 tablespoons of butter.

2. 2

   Once the butter is melted, add the 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, and half a diced shallot.

3. 3

   Sauté the aromatics until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the 2 1/4 cups chicken stock and 2 cups half & half to the pot.

5. 5

   Add the 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

6. 6

   Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.

7. 7

   Once boiling, add the 3 cups of pasta and turn the heat down to medium-low.

8. 8

   Cook the pasta, stirring often (about every 3-4 minutes) to prevent sticking and burning.

9. 9

   When the pasta is approximately 3/4 of the way cooked, add the 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli.

10. 10

    Mix the broccoli in, cover the pot, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

11. 11

    If the sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth or half & half as required to reach your preferred consistency and finish cooking the pasta.

12. 12

    When the pasta is fully cooked, turn off the heat and add the 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup Colby jack, and 1/2 cup parmesan.

13. 13

    Stir well until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

14. 14

    Top with fresh parsley flakes and additional parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

Everyone's sauce preference is different, so feel free to adjust the amount of liquid at the end of cooking to make it more or less saucy. Stirring frequently is essential in this one-pot method to prevent the dairy and pasta starch from burning on the bottom of the pot.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian
• one-pot
• dinner
• broccoli cheddar
• easy recipes