Broccoli Shells and Cheese

Method7 steps · about 40 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil until tender according to its package cooking time. Drain in a colander and set aside.

   Uses 8 oz shell pasta · Water, for boiling pasta

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Meanwhile, allow the frozen broccoli to thaw. Once partially thawed, chop the florets into small bite-sized pieces and let them finish thawing. If its package requires cooking, cook it as directed and drain well before final assembly.

   Uses 1/2 lb frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped

   
3. 3

   Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, begin the cheese sauce. Finely dice the onion (1/2) and add it to a sauce pot with the butter (3 Tbsp). Cook the onion and butter over medium heat until the onions are softened (about 2-3 minutes).

   Uses 1/2 small onion (about 1/2 cup diced) · 3 Tbsp butter

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the flour (3 Tbsp) to the butter and onion. The flour and butter will form a paste, or roux. Whisk the roux over medium heat for 1-2 minutes more taking care not to let it scorch. This slightly cooks the flour preventing the cheese sauce from having an overly flour or paste-like flavor.

   Uses softened onion in butter · 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

5. 5

   Step 5: Whisk the milk (2.5 cups) into the roux until no lumps remain. Add some freshly cracked pepper to the sauce. Bring the mixture up to a simmer, stirring often (you may need to raise the heat just slightly). When the sauce reaches a simmer, it will begin to thicken. When it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s time to add the cheese.

   Uses onion roux · 2.5 cups milk · Black pepper, to taste

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Turn the burner off and whisk in the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, until it is fully melted in. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan (1/4 cup). Give the cheese sauce a taste and add salt, pepper, and hot sauce (to taste) to taste.

   Uses thickened white sauce · 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded · 1/4 cup grated Parmesan · Salt and additional pepper, to taste · Hot sauce, to taste

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Once you have the cheese sauce seasoned to your liking, return the drained pasta to its large pot, add the chopped broccoli, and pour the cheese sauce over top. Stir until everything is combined and coated in the wonderfully cheesy sauce. Serve hot.

   Uses drained cooked pasta · chopped thawed broccoli · seasoned cheese sauce