Description
This recipe is for a creamy pasta dish with a rich cheese sauce and mixed vegetables. It’s a simple and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta (your favorite shape): 8 ounces
- Broccoli florets: 1 cup
- Bell pepper (any color), chopped: 1 cup
- Onion, chopped: 1/2 cup
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, steam or sauté the broccoli and bell pepper until tender-crisp.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add cooked pasta and vegetables to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American