Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Bursting with cheesy flavor and loaded with pasta, broccoli, and ham, this hearty casserole satisfies the hungriest of appetites.
Foto: Spend With PenniesIngredients
- 2 cups medium pasta (uncooked)
- 8 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (or light cream)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups diced ham (or cooked chicken, optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente, adding broccoli for the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain very well and set aside.
While pasta is boiling, cook onion and garlic in butter in a frying pan over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
In a large saucepan, combine broth, half and half, cornstarch, and basil. Add the onions and mix well. Bring to a simmer over medium heat while whisking until it comes to a boil and thickens.
Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in ham, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta, broccoli, and ham and spread into the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and bake 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
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