Creamy cheddar and broccoli noodles are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here’s how to make them:
Creamy Cheddar & Broccoli Noodles are a deliciously comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy cheddar cheese with the freshness of broccoli, all enveloping tender noodles in a symphony of flavors and textures. Picture al dente pasta coated in a luscious cheese sauce, punctuated by vibrant green florets of broccoli, creating a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome.
To prepare this culinary masterpiece, start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s just tender, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux, which will serve as the base for your creamy sauce. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and velvety.
Next comes the star ingredient: sharp cheddar cheese. Grate a generous amount of sharp cheddar and gradually add it to the sauce, stirring until it melts into a decadent, cheesy goodness. The sharpness of the cheddar adds depth and complexity to the sauce, balancing beautifully with the creamy richness of the milk and butter.
Once the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to add the broccoli. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re just tender, then stir them into the cheese sauce, allowing them to soak up all the cheesy goodness. The vibrant green color and fresh flavor of the broccoli provide a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.
Finally, combine the cheesy broccoli sauce with the cooked noodles, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and every bite is infused with creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve the dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra grated cheddar for an extra dose of cheesy indulgence.
Creamy Cheddar & Broccoli Noodles are the ultimate comfort food, a satisfying meal that’s sure to warm your heart and nourish your soul with every delicious bite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or served as a crowd-pleasing side dish at a family gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- – 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- – 2 cups broccoli florets
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- – 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- – Salt and pepper, to taste
- – Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden in color and fragrant.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back to the pot or skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce and heated through.
6. Serve the creamy cheddar and broccoli noodles immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
This creamy cheddar and broccoli noodles recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite pasta shapes or additional mix-ins such as cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.