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Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Surprise

This cheesy broccoli pasta is the ultimate weeknight win—creamy, comforting, and secretly loaded with blended broccoli for a veggie boost kids won’t detect. It tastes like classic mac-and-cheese energy, but with a sneaky “mom win” built in.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta shells, elbows, or rotini work best
  • 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan optional but boosts flavor
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt + pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Steam or boil broccoli until very soft (about 5–7 minutes). Drain.
  3. Blend the “surprise” sauce: Add broccoli + milk to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  5. Slowly whisk in the broccoli-milk blend until smooth and slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melty and creamy.
  7. Add cooked pasta and stir until fully coated.
  8. Serve warm and pretend you didn’t just successfully hide a vegetable.