Broccoli pasta bake
Add some green goodness to the classic cheesy pasta bake with florets of broccoli. Dijon mustard and a pinch of chilli flakes ensure a punchy sauce
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 700ml whole milk
- 1garlic clove , crushed
- 1tsp dijon mustard
- pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
- 250g grated cheddar, emmental, gruyère (or use or a mixture)
- 300g broccoli , cut into small florets
- 250g penne or other short pasta
Instructions
Step 1
Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat, then stir in the flour. Cook, stirring, for 3 mins to cook the flour, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth sauce. Stir in the garlic, mustard, a pinch of chilli, if using, and 225g of the cheese, and stir until melted. Season well with salt and pepper.Step 2
Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Cook the broccoli in a large pan of boiling salted water for 3 mins. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and drain well, reserving the water.Step 3
Cook the pasta in the same water until just tender. Drain, then rinse under cold water and drain well again. Carefully mix the pasta and broccoli with the sauce, and tip into a 20cm x 30cm ovenproof dish.Step 4
Scatter over the remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden and bubbling. Leave to stand for 5 mins before serving.