Description
Comforting broccoli mac and cheese delight brings together creamy pasta and crisp green florets in a harmonious blend. Cheese lovers will savor this classic dish reimagined with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor that makes you crave another bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 6 ounces (170 grams) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 ⅓ cups (315 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half and half
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Salt a large pot of water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring each noodle reaches ideal al dente consistency. Thoroughly drain the pasta and reserve for later integration.
- Heat a skillet with butter, introducing minced garlic and shallots. Sauté the aromatics, stirring constantly until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
- Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, gently toasting until it develops a light golden hue. Slowly incorporate whole milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard, whisking diligently to create a smooth, creamy foundation.
- Allow the sauce to gently thicken, stirring consistently to prevent scorching. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting liquid consistency as needed to achieve desired sauce texture.
- Introduce tender broccoli florets and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and coats every ingredient with a luxurious, velvety layer.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to warmed serving dishes, ensuring an even distribution of pasta, broccoli, and cheesy goodness. Finish with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and creamy consistency, inviting diners to indulge in this comforting culinary creation.
Notes
- Whip up this cheesy comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering family favorite.
- Blend creamy textures with vibrant broccoli for a nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Quick and easy preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg