Name: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Your New Comfort Food Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta shells (whole wheat or gluten-free optional); 2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh preferred); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup half and half (or whole milk/dairy-free alternative); 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper

Description

This Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender pasta shells and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce made with butter, garlic, and half and half. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

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Pasta & Vegetables

8 oz pasta shells (whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh preferred)

Cheese Sauce

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup half and half (or whole milk/dairy-free alternative)
2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

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Instructions

Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
Add Broccoli: With 2-3 minutes remaining on the pasta timer, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water with the pasta. Cook until broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
Drain Pasta and Broccoli: Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer Half and Half: Stir in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Melt Cheese: Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot and toss gently to coat them evenly in the cheese sauce.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally sprinkled with extra cheddar cheese.

Notes

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
Substitute half and half with whole milk or a plant-based milk like almond milk for dairy-free.
Vegan butter and cheese alternatives can make this dish dairy-free.
Omit garlic for a milder flavor.
Reserve pasta water helps in adjusting cheese sauce consistency.