Best 2 Elbow Macaroni With Crispy Breadcrumbs And Broccoli Recipes

Elbow macaroni with crispy breadcrumbs and broccoli is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ELBOW MACARONI WITH CRISPY BREADCRUMBS AND BROCCOLI

Elbow Macaroni with Crispy Breadcrumbs and Broccoli image

"Even the pickiest children will like this pasta."

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Kosher salt
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
3 cups elbow macaroni (about 12 ounces)
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until they are crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes, taking care not to let them burn. Scrape into a small bowl and toss with the lemon zest and parsley and then season with salt.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente while you make the sauce. Wipe out the skillet used to toast the breadcrumbs and return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and, when the oil is hot, add the broccoli and toss to coat. Saute until it turns bright green, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute, then pour in the stock. Simmer until the broccoli is tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
When the pasta is done, scoop it out of the water with a spider or a small strainer and add directly to the sauce, reserving the pasta water. Simmer the pasta with the sauce just to blend the flavors, 1 to 2 more minutes, then drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and toss again.
If the sauce seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup pasta water. Off the heat, stir in the cheese. Serve in warmed bowls and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

MAC AND BROCCOLI CHEESE CUPS

Mac and Broccoli Cheese Cups image

It's the broccoli in these yummy mac and cheese cups that is sure to please!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Side Dish

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup Progresso™ plain or Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs
4 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 package (12 oz) frozen broccoli and cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

Steps:

Heat oven to 375°F. Place foil baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups. In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter uncovered on High 15 to 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs; set aside.
Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in 4-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook 1 minute, stirring with whisk. While continuing to stir, add milk. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Stir in frozen broccoli and Cheddar cheese. Cover; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Remove form heat; stir in macaroni until well blended.
Spoon about 1/4 cup macaroni into each cup. Top each with 1 teaspoon bread crumb mixture.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and topping is golden brown. Cook 5 minutes; remove from pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 490 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Choose the right pasta: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this dish, but you can use any short pasta that you like, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give the dish a better flavor and texture than frozen broccoli.
Roast the breadcrumbs: Roasting the breadcrumbs will give them a crispy texture and a nutty flavor.
Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is one of the key ingredients in this dish, so it's important to use a good quality cheese that melts well.
Season the dish well: Don't be afraid to season the dish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Serve the dish immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is made.

Conclusion:

Elbow macaroni with crispy breadcrumbs and broccoli is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your pasta cheesy, garlicky, or spicy, this dish is sure to please. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.