𝑉𝑒𝑥𝑎𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 kitchen

Zac’s Broccoli Cheddar Pasta 🥦🧀

A cozy, satisfying comfort meal made for real life.

Wellness doesn’t have to mean eating perfectly. Sometimes it’s a homemade meal, extra vegetables, a good source of protein, and enjoying something delicious with the people you love.

This community-submitted recipe from Zac brings together tender broccoli, ground beef, creamy white cheddar, and pasta for an easy, comforting meal that can be customized to fit your preferences.

What You’ll Need

• 8 oz. elbow pasta or pasta of your choice
• ½ lb. ground beef
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 tsp. butter
• 2 tsp. flour
• 1½ cups milk
• 8 oz. finely shredded white cheddar
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• Breadcrumbs, for topping

Why We Love It

🥦 Broccoli adds vegetables, fiber, and a variety of micronutrients.

🥩 Ground beef provides protein along with nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

🧀 Cheddar adds protein and calcium while bringing plenty of flavor.

🍝 Pasta provides carbohydrates that can be part of a balanced diet and help fuel an active lifestyle.

Make It Your Own!

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Try whole-wheat, chickpea, lentil, or gluten-free pasta, add extra vegetables, choose a leaner ground beef, or experiment with different herbs and seasonings.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s finding foods that nourish you and that you actually enjoy.

How to Make It

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions.
2. Add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
4. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until smooth and lightly bubbling.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue cooking and whisking for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
7. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth before adding more.
8. Fold the pasta and broccoli back into the sauce. Add a splash of warm milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cooked ground beef and breadcrumbs.
10. Broil until the top is golden and bubbly, about 5–10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it while broiling.

From Our Community to Yours

𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 is a place for the recipes, ideas, and everyday habits that make wellness feel real.

Because taking care of yourself isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, nourishment, movement, connection, and enjoying the life you’re building.

Recipe submitted by Zac.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.