Description
A rich and velvety pasta dish featuring tender broccoli florets smothered in a sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz shells or fusilli pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American