Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni

Name: Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or large tube pasta; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2-1/2 cups fat-free milk; 5 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

"This cheese-and-veggie-packed pasta side dish always brings compliments. Add chicken or shrimp, and you'll have a well-balanced entree," Lisa Csiki of North Windham, Connecticut suggests. "The tasty white sauce can be used on many foods. My husband even likes it spooned over eggs!"

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or large tube pasta
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2-1/2 cups fat-free milk
5 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute garlic in butter over medium heat for 1 minute. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; set aside. Drain pasta and toss with oil; set aside.
In a large saucepan, bring 1 in. of water and broccoli to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer 1 cup white sauce, half of the pasta and broccoli and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 280 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

Originally published as Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni in Light & Tasty June/July 2001

Reviews

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Average Rating:

msu4two

Mar 14, 2018

We didn't like this at all. Full of fat, and lacking flavor. And I'm not sure why this is marked as a "healthy" recipe. Broccoli included in a recipe doesn't make it healthy. It's basically a flavorless alfredo with mozzarella added. It was so bland, I added a bit of Better 'n Boullion and freshly grated mozzarella. Made it a bit better, but not enough to make it again. A big disappointment.
PrplMonky5

Jun 13, 2016

My husband and I really liked this. I think it would be really good with some other veggies in it too. I cut the recipe in half, but forgot to cut the cheese in half, so it was extra cheesy :) Other than that, I followed the recipe. It tasted homemade to me, but in a good way. Tasted fresh. Next time I will think about adding other veggies, maybe some corn to get a sweet crispness.
ClockworkOiDoll

Aug 18, 2013

This recipe is not only easy, it is SO GOOD. When I decided to make this I expected it to just be ok.. it is a lot more than "ok", the sauce and cheese make it sooo good. I wind up using more pasta sometimes so I double the sauce usually. If you are considering try this, do it. You will not even miss the meat! Great for "meatless monday"
Kavslayer

May 17, 2013

Very Good Recipe that we will make again. Has a simple flavor of the Garlic and dairy, not a lot of other flavors but delectable none the less. We added a chicken breast that I grilled to the top so there was some meat with it as a complete meal. If you are not making this for 4 adults or more try to make Half the recipe there is a lot of leftovers which is fine but not everyone wants so much left.
LoriRW

Nov 29, 2012

Made this for Thanksgiving and it got rave reviews and there was only about 2 servings left at the end of the day. Had great flavor and was creamy. Since I love cheese, I may had another more flavorful cheese to the recipe and a little more garlic. Otherwise, YUM!
ConnieK

Jul 6, 2012

Love this. What a great and different way to have pasta and broccoli. I also like to add about 2 cups of cooked meat to this to make it a main dish. Turkey, chicken, and ham work well. I might try this next time with shrimp or crab, what a treat that will be!!!
Joscy

Jun 12, 2012

Although my husband is a *meat and potatoes* type man, I like to fix this meatless dish, which he enjoys (**but not too often; add some meat to it for a really enjoyable meal**).
kboo127

Aug 2, 2010

I may make this again and put on own touches on it. Family was not impressed.
Katriana84

Mar 22, 2010

Delicious recipe! It's a very tasty way to fix broccoli. I also like to add 3 cups of cooked cubed chicken to the recipe to make it a main course.
cntbailey

Jan 6, 2009

My husband loves this one. He is more of a meat and potato man. This recipe has become part of our monthly menu!