Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

Instructions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
2. Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, half and half and Dijon until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Stir in pasta, broccoli and cheese until well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.