BROCCOLI MACARONI AND CHEESE

HIDDEN VEGGIES … that are very much in plain sight.

Think of this as a veggie-forward play on mac-and-cheese. I love broccoli so this one is a hit for me! I served it to a small group of kids and 3/4 of them loved it. I’ll take it! I mean, it has a really strong broccoli flavor to it. When I made it I was kinda thinking it would end up being my dinner. There wasn’t enough left … I consider that an epic win!

In a similar vein are my Butternut Squash And Sweet Potato Macaroni And Cheese and Spinach And Cheese Cavatappi.

If you’re feeling a more adult-feeling cheesy pasta, I recommend my Pappardelle With Lemon Havarti Cream Sauce and my Mushroom And Burrata Bucatini.

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BROCCOLI AND CHEESE PASTA SHELLS

Yield: 4-6

Author: Michelle Williams

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

• Large Shells Pasta (1 1 pound box)
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons)
• Whole Milk (1 cup)
• Block of American Cheese (2 cups when grated. I used a food processor to blitz mine)
• Broccoli (1/2 pound. Cut off the bulk of the stems. Wash)
• Green Peas (1 cup. Can be frozen or canned)
• Salt
• Pepper

KITCHEN TOOLS

• Stock Pot and Lid
• Strainer
• Food Processor
• Rubber Spatula
• Whisk

Instructions

TO MAKE YOUR CAVATAPPI

1. Fill your stock pot with water according to your pasta box's instructions. Season heavily with salt, cover, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Uncovered, boil your pasta for the amount of time the box indicates for al dente.
3. Strain your pasta and then rinse your pasta with cold water to stop it from cooking any further.
4. Set aside.

TO MAKE YOUR SPINACH CHEESE SAUCE

1. Use your food processor to mince your broccoli. Set aside.
2. Use your same stock pot. Over medium-high heat, melt your butter.
3. Whisk in your flour until it's fully integrated.
4. Slowly pour in your milk while whisking. Bring to a simmer.
5. In batches, add your cheese. Make sure to whisk it in until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
6. Add in your broccoli crumbs and whisk until they're fully and evenly incorporated.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

TO COMBINE YOUR CAVATAPPI AND SPINACH CHEESE SAUCE

1. In batches, add your pasta shells to your broccoli and cheese sauce in your stock pot. Use your rubber spatula to fold your pasta and sauce together so that your pasta is fully and evenly coated.

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