Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Let’s face it, getting kids to eat vegetables is never an easy task for parents. My one son would eat veggies all day long, but it’s another story with my other son. I have to be creative, and this recipe had him eating a good serving of veggies at dinner.

The best part about this recipe – I was done cooking start to finish in just 15 minutes! That’s right – 15 minutes!! Did I mention it is around 389 calories a serving? Not too bad if I say so myself.

What do you need?

1 box of penne pasta
5 cups of broccoli florets (I used a whole package found next to the packaged salad in the grocery store)
1 1/3 cup of milk
2 Tbl. of flour
4 Tbl. of shredded parmesan
2 Tbl. of cream cheese
1 tea. dijon mustard
1/8 tea. of nutmeg
1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Dash of salt
Dash of pepper

How did I make it?

First boil the pasta. (I always add a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil). In the last three minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli. Then drain all together.

Next take the milk and flour. Cook over medium heat in a dutch oven until thick. (stirring constantly with a whisk) It took about 8-10 minutes. Then add the parmesan cheese, cream cheese, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper. (Stir well)

Then add the pasta/broccoli mixture, sauce and the 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese to a bowl.

Viola! Dinner is served!! I topped it with a little extra parmesan and the kids gobbled it all up! Another successful meal in less than 30 minutes!!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light. If you don’t already subscribe to their magazine, now is the time!