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Panera-Inspired Broccoli Cheddar Mac on a plate
Melissa Hart

Panera-Inspired Broccoli Cheddar Mac

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz small pasta shells
  • 3 cups very small broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz white American cheese chopped
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar shredded
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp, drain and blot dry; chop any large pieces.
  2. Boil the shells until just tender, adding carrot for the final minute, then reserve pasta water and drain.
  3. Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1 minute, add both milks and simmer gently until lightly thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and melt in American cheese, white cheddar and salt.
  5. Fold in shells, carrot and broccoli and loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.