Stove-Top Cheesy Broccoli Shells

Stove-Top Cheesy Broccoli Shells

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 25 Min

Yields: 4 + Servings

What You Need

• 450g Large Shell Pasta
• 4 1/2 C Broccoli Florets
• 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tbsp. EVOO
• 3 cloves Garlic, crushed & minced
• 1/2 Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 1 C Whipping Cream, room temperature
• 1/3 C 2% Milk, room temperature
• 1 Tsp. Dry Mustard Powder
• 1 C Monterey Jack with Jalapenos, shredded
• 2 C Extra Old Cheddar, shredded
• Himalayan Salt & Cracked Pepper

Directions

• Bring a large pot of cold, generously salted water to a boil and leave covered.
• Begin heating the butter, EVOO, garlic, and pepper flakes in a large skillet set to just below medium. Once heated, stir and let the garlic sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add the onions and a good pinch of both salt & pepper. Stir and continue to cook until the onions are soft, 7 - 9 minutes. Pour in the cream & milk, and wait for the sauce to start bubbling up at which point you'll whisk in your dry mustard powder. At the same time, drop your florets in to the boiling water and blanch them for a couple minutes until bright green and gorgeous. Strain the broccoli directly to the skillet with the cream and season with a good pinch of salt.
• At this time, drop your pasta in to the boiling water. Reduce the temp of the skillet to a simmer and let that simmer away as your pasta cooks, stirring as needed. Once the pasta is almost al dente, strain it directly to the skillet with the sauce which will still be quite loose. Stir to combine everything in the skillet and let the pasta cook in the cream sauce for another 5+ minutes until the sauce has thickened up and noodles are perfectly al dente.
• Turn off the heat and add both the cheeses along with a good ladle full of the hot pasta water. Start tossing everything together to melt the cheese in to the sauce. Continue tossing until the sauce is creamy and both cheeses have fully emulsified. Add additional pasta water if needed / desired for a creamier consistency. Taste and adjust your salt 7 pepper to your liking.
• Serve and ENJOY!

HAPPY VEG