Broccoli and Pasta Bake
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 ounce pine nuts, toasted (optional)
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 ounce butter
- 2 12 cups milk
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
- Preheat the oven to 400F
- First make the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan and stirring in the flour.
- Cook for about 1 minute then remove from the heat.
- Whisk in the milk a little at a time until the sauce is smooth.
- Bring to the boil and continue cooking for a further minute or until the sauce has thickened, stirring all the time.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard and half the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season to taste.
- Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the pack instructions.
- About 5 minutes before the pasta is ready add the broccoli florets to the pan.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli together and shake off excess water, arrange in a 2 litre gratin dish and pour over the cheese sauce.
- To toast the pine kernels place on a baking tray under a hot preheated broiler, until just starting to change colour.
- Sprinkle the top of the bake with the toasted pine kernels and remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve with a crisp green salad.
penne pasta, head of broccoli, salt, fresh ground black pepper, nuts, flour, butter, milk, cheddar cheese, coarse grain mustard
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/broccoli-and-pasta-bake-247303 (may not work)