Homemade Mac ‘n’ Cheese & Broccoli Recipe 🧀🥦
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, parmesan, and romano)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook Penne Pasta:
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.
- Drain the water and return the pasta to the pot.
- Add Butter and Seasonings:
- Reduce heat to low and add a generous hunk of butter to the pasta.
- Pour in the milk, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, sriracha, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir the ingredients together, allowing the butter to melt and the seasonings to infuse into the pasta.
- Incorporate Cheese:
- Add the shredded cheese blend to the pot, using your heart as your measuring guide. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and delicious.
- Prepare Broccoli:
- In a separate pot, boil the broccoli florets with a little water, butter, and your chosen seasonings until they are tender yet still crisp.
- Plate and Garnish:
- Plate the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese alongside the boiled broccoli.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Serve your homemade mac ‘n’ cheese with broccoli immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy pasta and vibrant broccoli with a perfect blend of spices. 💛🍽️
Certainly! Here are some questions and their answers related to the Homemade Mac ‘n’ Cheese & Broccoli Recipe:
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can use your favorite pasta variety. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
- Q: Is it necessary to use a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheese?
- A: No, feel free to customize the cheese blend based on your preferences. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor.
- Q: How do I know when the penne pasta is al dente?
- A: Al dente pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten. Taste a piece a minute or two before the recommended cooking time ends.
- Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- A: Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli. Thaw it before boiling or adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Q: What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce in the recipe?
- A: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Q: Is there a recommended order for adding the seasonings to the pasta?
- A: Start with the butter and milk, then add the dry seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) before incorporating the wet ingredients (sriracha and Worcestershire sauce).
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Q: How can I make the mac ‘n’ cheese spicier?
- A: Increase the amount of sriracha or add additional spices like cayenne pepper to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
- Q: Can I use whole milk or a milk substitute?
- A: Yes, whole milk works well, and you can also use alternatives like almond milk or soy milk based on dietary preferences.
- Q: What other vegetables can I add to the dish for variation?
- A: Experiment with vegetables like peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach for added color and flavor.
Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste and preferences!