Garlicky Broccoli Penne with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Indulge in this delicious and satisfying Garlicky Broccoli Penne with Creamy Cheese Sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a delightful meal shared with friends. This recipe marries the vibrant greens of fresh broccoli with a rich and creamy garlic cheese sauce, enveloping tender penne pasta in a symphony of flavors. With a balance of heartiness and lightness, it's a dish that's as pleasing to the palate as it is visually appealing. Enjoy each bite while knowing you’re treating yourself to a nutritious meal that's easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both family dinners and gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
8 (peeled)
Small broccoli florets
3 cups (washed and trimmed)
Penne pasta
6 ounces (uncooked)
Evaporated skim milk
2 cups
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1.5 ounces (grated)
Parmesan cheese
1.5 ounces (freshly grated)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the peeled garlic cloves and cook them for about 3 minutes until softened.
2
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the garlic from the pot and mince it finely. Set aside.
3
In the same pot of boiling water, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4
Next, add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, discarding the water.
5
In a large nonstick skillet, whisk together evaporated skim milk and flour over medium heat until the flour is fully dissolved. Continue to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
6
Lower the heat and add the minced garlic, followed by the grated reduced-fat cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
7
Gently fold in the cooked broccoli and penne pasta. Stir frequently and cook for a few more minutes until everything is evenly heated through.
8
Serve hot, and enjoy your deliciously creamy garlic cheese-infused penne with broccoli!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Garlicky Broccoli Penne with Creamy Cheese Sauce.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 8 peeled garlic cloves.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 6 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
What kind of milk is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 2 cups of evaporated skim milk.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 3 cups of small broccoli florets, washed and trimmed.
What are the two types of cheese used?
The recipe uses reduced-fat cheddar cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How long should I boil the garlic?
Boil the garlic cloves for about 3 minutes until they are softened.
How long do the broccoli florets need to cook?
Cook the broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes until bright green and just tender.
What is the cooking time for the penne pasta?
The penne should be cooked for 8-10 minutes according to package instructions until tender.
How do I prepare the garlic after boiling?
Once removed from the water and softened, the garlic should be minced finely.
How do I thicken the cheese sauce?
Whisk the evaporated skim milk and flour over medium heat until it bubbles and thickens.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour.
What spices are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
When should I add the cheese to the mixture?
Add the cheeses after the milk and flour mixture has thickened and the heat has been lowered.
Should I use a specific type of skillet?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for preparing the sauce.
Is the broccoli added to the sauce raw?
No, the broccoli should be pre-boiled for 3 minutes before being folded into the sauce.
How much cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 ounces of grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 ounces of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I need to stir the sauce constantly?
Yes, you should stir constantly while the milk thickens and until the cheeses are fully melted.
Can this be considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a perfect weeknight dinner.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to fold in the cooked broccoli and penne, heating everything through before serving hot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed.
Is there any butter in the cheese sauce?
No, the sauce relies on evaporated milk, flour, and cheese for its creaminess.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as a rich and creamy garlic cheese sauce.
Should the Parmesan be freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe suggests using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
The recipe specifies fresh small florets, but frozen could be used if prepared to a similar tender-crisp texture.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta, creamy, garlic, cheese sauce, vegetarian, broccoli, quick meal, and comfort food.
Do I keep the garlic water?
The garlic is boiled in the same pot of water used for the broccoli and pasta; the water is discarded after the pasta is cooked.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful comfort food meal.