Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

If you couldn't already tell I have an obsession with Mac and Cheese. I pretty much love it a lot. This version was meant to mimic Broccoli Cheese Soup. I think it was quite successful :)

1 small-medium onion
2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 large head broccoli
2 cups or 1 lb of any hollow pasta
2-3 cloves garlic
1/4 c. water or chicken stock/broth
salt and pepper

Start by finely chopping the onion. Saute with the oil over medium heat. While the onions are cooking chop all the ends off the broccoli(unless you like them) and then chop up the broccoli into relatively bit size pieces. And really don't make the effort to cut them nicely and in their tree shapes, just give it a nice rough chop. Add the broccoli in with the onions. At this point the broccoli will start to soak up the rest of the oil so somewhat quickly mince your garlic and add it to the pan and salt and pepper the broccoli to taste. Mix it around so the flavor really start to incorporate and then pour in the water or chicken stock(more if you think it needs it) and proceed to steam the broccoli until it reaches a nice tender but not soggy state(unless you like soggy). For this particular meal I think the flavor is better if it is taken farther then the tender crisp state like in broccoli cheese soup. But do what you prefer. At this point go ahead and start your pasta to the manufacturers instructions.

3 Tbsp butter
3 somewhat heaping Tbsp. flour
3 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste
a pinch or more or cayenne pepper
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese

After the broccoli mix is done steaming dump it into a bowl(it's ok if some of the onions and the flavor/oil from the onions and broccoli is left in the pan, it will be good for more flavor). In the same skillet melt the butter and mix with the flour to create a roux. Let some of the flour flavor cook out(about a minute or less) and slowly start adding the milk stirring constantly. Add the salt and pepper and cayenne pepper and stir constantly until the gravy becomes thick. Once thickened but before starts to bubble add the broccoli and onion in and let the flavors blend. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese. Stir until the cheese has entirely blended with the gravy and it is completely smooth. At this point add in the noodles that you cooked til just shy of al dente and continue to heat over a simmer until the noodles have soaked up a little of that gravy and have reached your desired tenderness. This stuff was good. For a more nutritionally complete meal feel free to add some pre-cooked(store bought or done yourself doesn't matter) diced or shredded chicken.