Cheddar Broccoli Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lbmini shells or gnocchetti *
- 1 headbroccoli
steamed and chopped
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
- 2 tbspall-purpose flour
- 2 cwhole milk
warmed
- ½ tspsalt
- ½ tsppepper
- ¼ tsppaprika
heaping
- ⅛ tspcayenne pepper
- ½ tsponion powder
- 1 tspdry mustard
- 1 cwhite cheddar cheese
grated
- 1 csharp or extra sharp white cheddar cheese
grated
Directions
- 1
Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottom stock pot with water, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large bowl.
- 2
In a glass measuring cup, heat the 2 cups of milk for 45 seconds on HIGH in the microwave, and set aside.
- 3
Return the pot to low heat, melt the butter, and then whisk in the flour. Bring the heat up to medium and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to bubble (but not brown). Add 1½ cups of the warm whole milk and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil; it will thicken substantially.
- 4
Add the salt and spices, and continue whisking. Turn the heat down to low and add the grated cheeses, stirring constantly until they have melted into the sauce. Stir in the remaining ½ cup of milk.
- 5
Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli, and stir to coat. Serve immediately.
Cheddar Broccoli Noodles Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that's on the table in a flash? This Cheddar Broccoli Noodles recipe is your answer, guaranteeing big smiles with its rich flavor and quick preparation.
What makes these Cheddar Broccoli Noodles a weeknight winner is the incredibly creamy white cheddar sauce, perfectly seasoned to complement the tender pasta and vibrant broccoli. It's a dish designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss, coming together with simple ingredients you likely already have, ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Prepare for a delightful blend of textures and tastes. You'll enjoy the al dente bite of mini shells or gnocchetti, enveloped in a luscious, savory white cheddar sauce that has just the right amount of tang from the dry mustard and a subtle warmth from a hint of cayenne. Each forkful is balanced by tender, steamed broccoli florets, creating a wonderfully hearty and satisfying experience. The careful balance of salt, pepper, and paprika ensures a deeply comforting flavor profile without being overly spicy, making it a hit with diverse palates.
While mini shells or gnocchetti are excellent choices for this dish, feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes you have on hand for a similar result. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of paprika and cayenne pepper to suit your preference, or vary the sharpness of the white cheddar cheese to make the flavor more mellow or robust.
Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, these Cheddar Broccoli Noodles are a standalone meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.