Broccoli Pasta Bake (Story)

* Easy - Prep time is just 20 minutes with simple ingredients. * Healthy - A vegetarian dish that is packed full of broccoli. * Cheesy and crunchy  * Versatile * Great for weeknights

Why This Recipe Works

– Extra-virgin olive oil – Yellow onion – All-purpose flour – Skim or 2% milk – Whole grain mustard – Garlic and Italian seasoning – Red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredients Needed

– Sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese – Rigatoni or penne pasta – Broccoli – Panko breadcrumbs – Fresh parsley

Ingredients Needed

Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over  medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook until onion is soft and  translucent, about 10 minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 2. Whisk in flour and combine until a paste is formed. Pour in milk slowly and continue to whisk for another minute.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 3. Stir in mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning,  salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes  and remove from heat. Add ⅔ cup of cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of parmesan  cheese, and stir until well incorporated.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 4. Cook the pasta according to the package  instructions, minus 3 minutes. About 2 minutes before pasta is ready to  be drained, add the broccoli florets and cook in pasta for remaining 2  minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 5. Drain pasta and broccoli (but reserve 3 Tablespoons of pasta water to whisk into onion/milk mixture) and transfer into large baking dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 6. After adding reserved pasta water to sauce, pour sauce over pasta and broccoli, and gently combine. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs along with the  remaining cheddar and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle mixture on top of pasta  and cover the dish with foil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 7. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and cheese is melted. Step 8. Garnish with parsley, if using. Serve immediately.

Step-By-Step Instructions

SERVE  AND  ENJOY!