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Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

This creamy broccoli mac and cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic dish, combining tender pasta shells with vibrant broccoli florets and a rich, sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal, the smooth and cheesy sauce made with a blend of milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard delivers a luscious texture and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the medium pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot, cooking while stirring frequently until they become fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
  3. Make the roux and cheese sauce: Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking until it is lightly browned, roughly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine pasta, broccoli, and cheese: Stir the cooked pasta, chopped broccoli florets, and grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through, allowing the cheese to melt into the creamy mixture.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy broccoli mac and cheese immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • To make the broccoli tender, ensure it is chopped into small, bite-sized florets before adding it to the sauce.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can add a little more milk or half and half to adjust the consistency.
  • For a sharper cheese flavor, use extra-sharp cheddar or add a small amount of Parmesan cheese.
  • Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, broccoli cheddar pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/creamy-broccoli-mac-and-cheese-recipe/