Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 180 g Pasta (penne or elbow)
• 250 g Broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder(optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender (about 8–10 minutes). Add the broccoli for the last 2 minutes of cooking, then drain.

2. 2

   While pasta and broccoli cook, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. 3

   Combine drained pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a small baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden on top, about 15–18 minutes.