Creamy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 0.5 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Hot Sauce)
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon basil
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoon parsley

Pasta Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1.5 cups broccoli, very finely chopped
• 0.5 pound Gemelli pasta
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Combine the chicken broth, half and half, half a chicken bouillon cube, hot sauce, and all the seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley) in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add about half a tablespoon of kosher salt to season the water.
3. In a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
4. Slowly add the chicken broth mixture to the roux in small splashes while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. While the sauce simmers with the broccoli covered partially, cook the Gemelli pasta in the boiling salted water until al dente. Stir gently throughout the cooking process. Drain the pasta once done.
6. Reduce the heat under the sauce to low. Add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until fully combined and melted. Take care not to let the sauce get too hot to avoid separation.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir well to coat the pasta. The sauce will continue to thicken and absorb while standing.
8. Serve the cheese pasta hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use Gemelli, Rotini, Fusilli, Medium Shells, Macaroni, or Penne pasta; all work well.
• For best flavor, grate the cheese fresh from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
• If you prefer larger broccoli pieces, boil broccoli with the pasta during the last 4 minutes instead of cooking in the sauce.
• Ensure the sauce base isn’t too hot when adding cheese to prevent grainy texture.
• Frank’s Hot Sauce is used as a flavor enhancer, it adds depth without noticeable spiciness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.