pasta con broccoli...

i got this recipe from my fabulous sister-in-law Markae, before was even officially in the family.  i am so glad that she shared it with me & i have made it pretty regularly ever since.  it is also great since it is meat-free!!!  strictly vegetarian.  i also subbed fat free 1/2 & 1/2 instead of regular.  give it a try & feel free to modify it to fit your families needs.  EnJoY!!!

{pasta con broccoli}

1- 16 oz. bag large shell pasta, cooked & drained

1/4 cup butter

4 cups half & half

2- 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1/2 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms

1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste

Saute mushrooms in butter.  do not salt!  Steam broccoli sprinkled with salt.  In a large pot, mix half & half, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper & garlic powder (i usually start with about a 1/2 tsp. garlic powder).  Heat over medium heat until cheese is melted.  Add cooked pasta, broccoli & sauteed mushrooms (with remaining butter) to the sauce.  Turn off heat and stir occasionally.  Sauce will thicken as it cools.  About 2o minutes.