BROCCOLI MAC'N CHEESE

Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food for me if made right. So, the recipes I usually like are full of fat. This recipe is a great option for us when we're keeping things healthy with a twist. This special recipe brings the best of both worlds—deliciousness and mindful eating. I added nutritious broccoli to not only boost the health factor but also bring a burst of vibrant color. It's a win-win!

Sometimes, I like a crunch top (as you can see from the pic!) If you like one too, you can put this dish under the broiler for 1-2 mins.

EQUIPMENT

• Whisk

• Large Deep Casserole Dish

• Deep Pot for Boiling Water

• Sauce Pan

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Broccoli Florets

• 16 oz Rigatoni (We prefer whole wheat)

• 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter

• 1/4 finely chopped Onion

• 1/4 cup Flour

• 2 cups Skim or 2% Milk

• 1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth

• Salt / Pepper to taste

• 1/8 tsp Nutmeg

• 2 cups finely Shredded Cheese (We prefer Monterrey Jack, Cheddar, and Colby mix made with skim-milk)

• 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs or Pepperidge Farm® Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing (finely crushed)

• Cooking Spray

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 F

2. Prepare a large, deep casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside

3. In deep pot, cook pasta per the instructions on the box, shortening the cooking time by 1-2 minutes (Make sure you salt the water!)

4. Halfway through add broccoli florets

5. Drain pasta and broccoli and pour into the casserole dish

6. In a sauce pan, melt butter over medium-high heat

7. Add onions and sauté until softened (2-3 mins)

8. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until four has absorbed all the butter and darkens slightly (3-4 mins)

9. Add milk and chicken broth and, using a whisk, stir constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly (5-6 mins)

10. Remove from heat, add cheese and whisk until cheese is fully melted

11. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (give a taste test and adjust salt as needed)

12. Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli and pasta and carefully mix

13. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top

14. Bake for 20 min

15. Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle with parmesan cheese

YUM!