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In the world of comfort food, creamy pasta dishes hold a special place in our hearts and on our plates. Their ability to evoke warmth and satisfaction makes them a staple in many households. One such dish that beautifully embodies these qualities is Creamy Broccoli White Cheddar Penne. This delightful recipe marries the rich, nutty flavors of white cheddar cheese with the vibrant, nutritious goodness of broccoli. It’s an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when time is of the essence or a cozy weekend meal when you want to indulge in something truly comforting.

Creamy Broccoli White Cheddar Penne

Savor the comfort of creamy pasta with this delightful Creamy Broccoli White Cheddar Penne recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish combines al dente penne, vibrant broccoli, and a rich white cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying, you’ll love the balance of flavors and textures. Plus, learn about the nutritional benefits of broccoli and tips for making this dish even more delicious. Get ready to indulge!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Roux: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden.

      Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

        Add the Cheese & Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat and then stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

          Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine everything. Ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

            Serve: Divide the creamy broccoli white cheddar penne into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

              Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings