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Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini Pasta Recipe

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This Broccoli Cheddar Ditalini is a quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish made with tender ditalini pasta, finely chopped broccoli, creamy sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of cream and spices. The pasta and broccoli cook simultaneously in chicken broth, creating a flavorful base that transforms into a velvety cheddar sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups broccoli, finely chopped
  • 2 cups ditalini pasta

Sauce Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Start the base: Add the chicken broth and finely chopped broccoli to a large pot or deep skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat to begin softening the broccoli and developing flavor.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling broth and broccoli. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed by the pasta and broccoli.
  3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated sharp cheddar cheese, mustard powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue stirring gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese completely melts and the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
  4. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and serve immediately while the sauce is still creamy and smooth for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated cheddar cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese, as anti-caking agents in shredded cheese can interfere with smooth melting.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days. The sauce thickens upon standing; stir in a bit of cream or broth when reheating.
  • Freezer Storage: Not recommended due to sauce separation, but if freezing, cool completely and wrap tightly for up to 2 months. Add extra liquid when reheating.
  • Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat with added broth or cream until warmed through. For microwave reheating, heat in short bursts stirring in between.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/broccoli-cheddar-ditalini-pasta-recipe/