Description
This creamy Cheese Pasta with broccoli combines tender Gemelli pasta, a rich and flavorful cheese sauce enhanced with subtle spices and hot sauce, and finely chopped broccoli for a nutritious twist. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe features a smooth cheddar and Parmesan cheese blend cooked to perfection in a homemade creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 0.5 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank's recommended)
- 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
- 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
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: Combine chicken broth, half and half, half bouillon cube, hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, and parsley in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside.
- Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 0.5 tablespoon kosher salt once boiling. Prepare to cook the pasta.
- Make Roux: In a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form the roux.
- Add Sauce and Broccoli: Slowly add the chicken broth mixture into the roux in small splashes while stirring continuously. Stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil the Gemelli pasta until al dente according to package instructions, gently stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta when done.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined and smooth without overheating to prevent grainy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat. The sauce will thicken further as it stands. Serve warm.
Notes
- Any pasta like rotini, fusilli, medium shells, macaroni, or penne can substitute Gemelli.
- Use freshly grated cheese from blocks for better melt and flavor compared to packaged pre-grated cheese.
- If you prefer larger broccoli florets, boil them with the pasta for the last 4 minutes instead of cooking in the sauce.
- Keep the sauce base temperature low when adding cheese to avoid separation and grainy texture.
- The hot sauce is a flavor enhancer and is not spicy in the final dish; Frank’s Hot Sauce is recommended.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
