Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta: Elevate Dinner Joy
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Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta: Elevate Dinner Joy
Description
Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta: Boost Mealtime Magic
Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner when you're craving something warm and satisfying. The corkscrew pasta, also known as cavatappi, is an excellent choice for this recipe because its unique spiral shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
The highlight of this dish is the homemade cheddar cheese sauce, which is made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream to create a smooth and velvety texture. Sharp cheddar cheese gives the sauce a deep, bold flavor, while a touch of garlic and onion powder enhances the overall taste. To balance the richness, fresh broccoli florets are added, providing a slight crunch and a burst of color. Not only does the broccoli contribute to the dish's flavor, but it also adds essential nutrients, making this corkscrew pasta a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences. For a protein boost, you can add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms. If you prefer a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give the sauce a mild kick. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to enhance the flavor profile.
Another great thing about this corkscrew pasta is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve. Whether you're cooking for kids, friends, or yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Complement the dish with a light side salad or a serving of garlic bread to round out your meal.
Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a balance of cheesy indulgence and wholesome ingredients. It's creamy, flavorful, and satisfying—everything you could want in a delicious pasta dish.
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Ingredients
Instructions
Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the corkscrew pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot of boiling water when the pasta has just two minutes left to cook.
- Drain both the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Over medium heat, let the butter melt smoothly in a spacious saucepan.
- Add flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Let the mixture cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Cheese & Seasonings
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, whisking until melted.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- If using, stir in red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese for more flavor (optional).
Combine Everything
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce.
- Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra cheddar or Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy pasta!
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32g50%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 550mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
✅ Use fresh or frozen broccoli – If using frozen, let it thaw slightly before adding.
✅ Choose a sharp cheddar cheese – It adds more flavor than mild cheddar.
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente for the best texture.
✅ For extra crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
✅ Want protein? Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While corkscrew pasta (cavatappi) is great for holding the cheese sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove, adding a little extra milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. How can I make the sauce thinner if it’s too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk or cream to thin it out while reheating. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can make the dish lighter by using reduced-fat cheese, skim milk, and a lower-fat version of heavy cream or substituting with a plant-based cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter used.
6. Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sausage would be great additions to the dish. You can also add ground beef or turkey for a heartier meal.
7. Can I freeze the Cheddar Broccoli Corkscrew Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. However, note that the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little milk to restore creaminess.
8. How can I make the sauce extra cheesy?
To make the sauce extra cheesy, you can add more shredded cheddar cheese or mix in other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. The more cheese you add, the creamier and richer the sauce will be.
9. What should I serve this pasta with?
This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I use a dairy-free version for this recipe?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using non-dairy milk (like almond milk or oat milk), dairy-free cheese, and plant-based butter and cream. Many plant-based cheeses melt well and will work in place of traditional cheddar.
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