- ½ stick of butter (4 tbsp)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cups shard cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Heat a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the half and half, milk, and chicken broth, whisking until all lumps are dissolved. Sprinkle in the paprika, mustard powder, chicken bouillon, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Stir in the broccoli and shredded cheddar and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Serve while hot.
Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 10mg