Description
this broccoli & cheddar pasta bake takes the amazing flavor of your favorite broccoli cheddar soup and combines it with pasta for an easy weeknight meal that even kids will gobble up!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. whole wheat pasta (shells, rotini or penne)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 –3 cups whole milk (more as needed for desired consistency)
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (see note)
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets, cooked
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Optional (as needed): arrowroot powder or cornstarch for thickening, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a hefty pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil followed by pasta. Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook broccoli according to preference (steamed, boiled, roasted)
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add garlic and shallot, whisking to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and nutmeg, cooking for ~1 minute while continuously whisking.
- Slowly whisk in milk until slightly thickened. Add arrowroot or cornstarch 1 tablespoons at a time as needed to thicken.
- Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until it’s melted. Add salt & pepper as desired.
- Stir in cooked pasta and cooked broccoli. Add mixture to prepared baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, melt 1-2 tablespoons butter and add breadcrumbs, mixing well. Spread evenly over the top of the pasta and bake for 25-30 minutes or until just browned. If breadcrumbs are resistant to browning, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watching closing to ensure they don’t burn!).
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Don’t buy pre-shredded cheese as it has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting well.
Keywords: dinner, pasta, broccoli and cheese, vegetarian
