Cheese Pasta

This Cheese Pasta recipe has savory pasta smothered in the most delicious broccoli cheese sauce! This 30-minute recipe makes a great side dish or meatless meal.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: people

Calories: 520kcal

Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

Sauce

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
½ chicken bouillon cube
1 tsp hot sauce I use Frank's hot sauce. Doesn't make it spicy.
½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley

Pasta

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups broccoli very finely chopped. See notes.
½ lb. Gemelli pasta see notes
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Note: Ensure the broccoli is very finely chopped for this recipe to ensure it cooks through.
Combine the chicken broth, half and half, 1/2 bouillon cube, hot sauce, and seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
Begin boiling water for the pasta. Once a boil is reached, salt the water. (I use 1/2 tbsp. kosher salt.)
Melt the butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth mixture from step 1 in small splashes, stirring continuously. Add the broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover partially while you boil the pasta to al dente. Gently stir the pasta periodically throughout cooking. Drain once cooked.
Reduce heat of the sauce to low and stir in the cheese until combined.
Add the pasta and stir to combine. It will continue to thicken and absorb the sauce upon standing. Serve!

Notes

Pro Tips

Pasta: I used Gemelli pasta for this, but any kind will work! Rotini, Fusilli, Medium Shells, Macaroni, and even Penne are all good candidates!
Cheese: I use Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar and Belgioioso Parmesan for this recipe.
Broccoli: If you prefer larger chunks of broccoli, boil it with the pasta during the last 4 minutes or so instead of cooking it in the sauce.
Grate the cheese from a block/wedge as it will melt and taste much better than packaged grated cheese.
Ensure the base of the sauce isn't too hot when the cheese is added, otherwise the dairy can separate and create a grainy consistency.
Hot Sauce: The hot sauce is used as a flavor enhancer and can't be tasted outright, I use Frank's Hot Sauce.

Storage

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers freeze/reheat well.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 4 servings in this recipe.

Nutrition