Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a family favorite meal filled with pasta, ham (or chicken), and of course broccoli in a rich cheesy sauce!
Ingredients :
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
Directions :
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.
