Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
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Some nights call for a grown-up version of mac and cheese, with a little more sophistication but none of the fuss. Enter Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta. It’s that perfect weeknight meal – creamy, cheesy goodness with pops of tender broccoli, ready in under 30 minutes. This isn’t your kiddie cafeteria version, though. Cheddar Cheese and a hint of spice create an elegant flavor profile that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
- Flavor-Packed: With cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli, and a blend of spices, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a hit with kids, while the broccoli adds a healthy twist.
- Versatile: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish.
- Nutritious: Adds fresh broccoli, making it perfect for sneaking those veggies in!
Ingredients Needed To Make Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
- Elbow macaroni
- Fresh broccoli
- Butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dry mustard powder
- Smoked paprika
- Nutritional yeast (optional)
How To Make Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Place a medium pot over low/medium heat.
- Add the butter and chopped broccoli to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is slightly softened.
- Add the ground black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast (if using) to the pot.
- Pour in the milk and heat until it’s warmed through.
- Add all of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot with the cheesy broccoli sauce.
- Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or tofu to increase the protein content of the dish.
- Looking for a dinner lifesaver on busy nights ? This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of my go-to meal hacks—it’s ready in just 15 minutes! I love using @jovialfoods gluten-free macaroni and cheese as the base. Simply follow the package instructions, then mix in rotisserie chicken and thawed frozen broccoli for an easy, flavorful dish. It’s incredibly tasty and perfect for busy weeknights!
- You can easily customize this recipe by swapping the chicken for ham or skipping the meat altogether and loading up on your favorite veggies. Jovial’s mac & cheese is a pantry staple you’ll want to keep on hand!
- Ingredients
- – 6 oz Jovial Gluten & Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese
- – 8 oz frozen broccoli, thawed
- – 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – ½ cup milk
- Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta according to the box’s directions. Once cooked, drain, and return the pasta to the pot.
- 2. Add the cheese packet, milk, and butter. Mix well.
- 3. Stir in the chicken, broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- 4. Mix until everything is well combined and broccoli is warmed through, then serve and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.
Can I freeze cheesy broccoli pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, skim milk, or a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of different cheeses for a unique flavor.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Strainer
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces box elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp nutritional yeast optional, great for dairy-free cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
- Place a medium pot over low/medium heat.
- Add the butter and chopped broccoli to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is slightly softened.
- Add the ground black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast (if using) to the pot.
- Pour in the milk and heat until it’s warmed through.
- Add all of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Final Steps
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot with the cheesy broccoli sauce.
- Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
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This recipe is a one-stop shop for busy weeknights. It’s effortless to throw together, uses ingredients you probably already have, and – most importantly – tastes like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy cheddar sauce is the star, clinging to the elbows and broccoli florets like a loyal friend. It’s a dish that pleases everyone from picky eaters to grown-ups who secretly crave a little cheesy nostalgia.
