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Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
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Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or entertaining guests. This dish combines the vibrant flavor of fresh broccoli with rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese, enveloping perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety sauce that feels like a warm hug. The delightful aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills your kitchen as you prepare this easy yet elegant meal. With its creamy texture and hint of smoky paprika, every bite is a harmony of flavors that evokes feelings of home and togetherness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Pasta (medium shells, rotini, cavatappi, or penne)
  • 1 large head Broccoli (cut into florets)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1.5 cups Milk (whole or 2%)
  • 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
  • Optional: 4 ounces Cream Cheese (cut into cubes), Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika

Instructions

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta until al dente. In the last few minutes, add broccoli to blanch.
  2. Reserve about one cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat; sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic.
  4. Stir in flour to form a roux; cook for about 2 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth followed by milk; bring to a simmer while stirring.
  6. Once thickened, stir in mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add cheddar cheese gradually until melted; mix in cream cheese if using.
  8. Combine cooked pasta and broccoli with sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenmealplan.com/creamy-vegetarian-broccoli-cheddar-pasta/