Description
A creamy one-pot broccoli cheese pasta made with sharp cheddar and Muenster, tender broccoli, and savory turkey or beef. This comforting stovetop dish is rich, cheesy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups (480 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (242 g) half-and-half
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces Gemelli pasta
- 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup (113 g) Muenster cheese, shredded, divided
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup cooked turkey or beef, crumbled or diced
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until translucent and tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Stir in the garlic powder and kosher salt until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the Gemelli pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets on top of the pasta, cover again, and continue cooking for 5–6 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of the shredded Muenster cheese, 1½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the cooked turkey or beef until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Top with the remaining Muenster and cheddar cheeses. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini or penne if Gemelli pasta is not available.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey or beef and add mushrooms or extra broccoli.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
