Broccoli and Pasta Casseroles

Ingredients

  • 2 slices whole-wheat bread (1oz)
  • 1 heat broccoli (1 lb) cut into florets, stems peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 8 oz whole-wheat fusilli pasta
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (5oz), finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 Tbsp flus 1 ½ tsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 4 cups skim milk
  • ¼ cups skim milk
  • ¼ cup part-skim ricotta cheese, pureed
  • 2 oz grated parmesan cheese (1 cup)
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1)Preheat oven to 425°. Process bread in a food proce3ssor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes.

2)Cook broccoli in a large pot of boiling water until slightly tender, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon, reserving wat4er in pot. Add pasta to water, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.

3)Add oil and onion to clean pot over medium heat. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 7 minutes. Add flour and ground mustard. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk in a slow, ste4ady stream. Bring to a boil. Cook, whisking, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cheeses and 1 tsp salt. Season with pepper.

4)Stir in broccoli and pasta. Transfer to a six 1 ½ cup remekins or an 8 ½ x 11-inch baking dish; top with breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbling and tops are browned, 25-30 minutes.