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Lean Cuisine-Inspired Broccoli White Cheddar Mac
Melissa Hart

Lean Cuisine-Inspired Broccoli White Cheddar Mac

A lighter white-cheddar sauce, tender broccoli and modest cheese coverage distinguish this Lean Cuisine-inspired bowl. Cornstarch thickens milk without a butter-heavy roux. The broccoli is steamed separately and folded in at the end so green florets stay intact rather than dissolving into the sauce.
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Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups small broccoli florets
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar shredded
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Method
 

  1. Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp, drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Boil the macaroni until tender, reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  3. Whisk milk, cornstarch and Dijon in a saucepan and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and melt in white cheddar, salt and white pepper.
  5. Fold in macaroni and broccoli and loosen with pasta water as needed.