Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring finely chopped broccoli and a flavorful sauce made with chicken broth, half and half, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal with tender Gemelli pasta and a rich cheese blend.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 0.5 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tsp hot sauce (Frank’s Hot Sauce recommended)
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp basil
- 0.5 tsp mustard powder
- 0.5 tsp parsley
Pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cups broccoli, very finely chopped
- 0.5 lb Gemelli pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce Ingredients: Combine chicken broth, half and half, half a bouillon cube, hot sauce, and all seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside for easy pouring.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 0.5 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the Gemelli pasta until al dente, stirring gently throughout. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large, high-sided skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a thick paste without browning.
- Add Sauce Base and Broccoli: Gradually add the prepared chicken broth mixture to the roux in small splashes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in finely chopped broccoli. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and partially cover the skillet.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat to low, then gently stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until fully melted and combined, making sure the sauce doesn’t get too hot to avoid separation.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked Gemelli pasta to the sauce mixture and stir well to coat. The sauce will continue to thicken and absorb into the pasta while standing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Gemelli pasta or similar like Rotini, Fusilli, Medium Shells, Macaroni, or Penne as alternatives.
- Choose high-quality cheese blocks such as Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar and Belgioioso Parmesan and grate fresh for better melting and flavor.
- If you prefer larger broccoli pieces, boil broccoli with pasta during last 4 minutes instead of cooking in the sauce.
- Ensure sauce base is not too hot when adding cheese to prevent grainy or separated texture.
- Hot sauce adds subtle flavor enhancement without spiciness; Frank’s Hot Sauce is recommended.
- Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months; reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
