Ingredients
½ cup (113 g) salted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
2 cups (480 g) chicken broth
1 cup (242 g) half-and-half
3 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces Gemelli pasta
2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (about 1 pound)
1 cup (113 g) Muenster cheese, shredded, divided
2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup cooked turkey or beef, crumbled or diced
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Onion
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine.
- Add garlic powder and kosher salt, mixing well.
3. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Gemelli pasta, ensuring it is submerged.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets on top of the pasta. Cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
4. Incorporate the Cheese and Protein
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in ½ cup Muenster cheese, 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, and cooked turkey or beef until melted and creamy.
5. Serve
- Sprinkle with remaining Muenster and cheddar cheese.
- Cover for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella or Gouda for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
Lighter Version: Replace half-and-half with whole milk and reduce the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 510 kcal
