Description
This creamy Cheese Pasta recipe combines tender Gemelli pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce enhanced by finely chopped broccoli. The sauce is flavored with a warm blend of herbs and a subtle hint of hot sauce for depth without overpowering spice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
Seasonings and Flavorings
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s hot sauce; mild, not spicy)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp basil
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp parsley
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups broccoli, very finely chopped
- ½ lb Gemelli pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Ensure the broccoli is very finely chopped to allow it to cook thoroughly during the sauce preparation.
- Mix Broth and Seasonings: Combine chicken broth, half and half, half bouillon cube, hot sauce, and all the herbs and spices in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients before beginning cooking.
- Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously with ½ tablespoon kosher salt to season the pasta while cooking.
- Make Roux: In a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and form the roux.
- Add Broth Mixture and Broccoli: Gradually pour the broth mixture into the skillet in small splashes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Partially cover the pot and cook the Gemelli pasta until al dente, stirring gently occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Lower the heat to low and stir the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into the sauce until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine. Note that the sauce will thicken and further absorb into the pasta as it stands. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Finely chopping the broccoli is essential to ensure it cooks properly in the sauce and blends well with the pasta.
- You can substitute Gemelli pasta with any short twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli if unavailable.
- The hot sauce adds depth without making the dish spicy; adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
- Use kosher or sea salt for seasoning the pasta water to enhance flavor without over-salting.
- Serve this dish immediately after combining for optimal creaminess; reheating may cause the sauce to thicken further.
