Broccoli Shells n Cheese {Cooking Time}

Who loves Mac n Cheese?? I know I do!! I found this yummy recipe on my Virtual Recipe Book, aka Pinterest, and I had to try it!! Visit Inspired Dreamer for the original recipe.
Broccoli Shells n Cheese //Ingredients//  the recipe called for 8 oz of pasta, I did the whole box so I doubled the recipe, the recipe is doubled in parantheses.
8 oz (16oz.) pasta shells (medium)
1 lg. crown (5 cups of frozen) broccoli
3 Tbsp (6 Tbsp) butter
3 Tbsp (6 Tbsp) all-purpose flour 2.5 cups (5 cups)  milk
8 oz./2 cups (16 oz/4 cups) sharp cheddar, shredded
to taste salt and pepper
//Directions//

• Bring a large pot of water to boil (we will be cooking the pasta and broccoli together) and add the pasta. Let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes and then add the cut broccoli, until both are tender. Drain them in a colander and put aside.
• Begin the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a medium heat pan

• Add the flour to the butter. They will form a paste like mixture, called a "roux." Using a whisk, stir the roux for 1-2 minutes, make sure you don't let it scorch.
• Add milk and whisk until you dissolve all the flour clumps. Add pepper. Bring the sauce to a slight simmer. As it begins to simmer it will begin to thicken. 
• Once the sauce is thick enough to coat the back the spoon, add the cheese. 
• Turn the burner off and whisk the cheese until it is melted, and taste for salt and pepper. 
• Once the sauce is perfect to your tasting, add the pasta and broccoli. Mix and Enjoy
  

//Extra Tips//

- We added some chicken to our Broccoli Shells n Cheese, and it tasted delish. We cooked 3 chicken breasts, and shredded them when they were done cooking. We added the chicken at the same time  when we added the pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce. 

What have you been cooking lately?

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