Dating is Not That Serious but Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Is

Some thoughts on modern dating and a broccoli cheddar pasta that would get more Hinge matches than both of us combined

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

How ya going, little broccolinis? We’re currently watching The Tourist on Netflix and that’s the Aussie greeting (minus the broccolini part). So far, the show is very good and we definitely recommend. We also recommend making our Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta - keep reading for the recipe.

Dating as a Zillennial who Loves Cheesy Pasta

Before we get to the recipe, we’d like to discuss modern dating. If it wasn’t obvious by the DTR Butter Beans recipe, we are both currently single. But we have been on dates and we do have thoughts!

You know how everyone has a season that they look best in? Ours is not winter but our dates don’t know that nor do they know how to ask a question.

• Dating apps are out. You heard it here first (or maybe you heard it on TikTok) but we are calling it. Specifically you, Hinge! They gatekeep hot people and humiliate you by making you send them “a rose.” Plus everyone ghosts each other because it’s so impersonal.

• Instagram dating is in. Mutual friend? Someone you met at a concert or bar? Someone you think is hot? Follow them on insta and slide in the DMs. We have both tried this technique and so far 2/2 in terms of going on a date. From there, I don’t know what to tell you.

  

  This is a real DM. Lol.

  After re-reading the DM I am actually shocked this worked out for me. Shoot your shot but maybe make a plan beyond that??

• Ask me a question. This is a theory of ours that has since been tested and researched thoroughly (read: we asked a handful of friends). Girls are really good at asking questions. Boys, not so much. Many boys (not all, but most) will tell their stories for an entire date without ever asking the girl a single question. It gets to the point where I’m just looking for a toss back - a simple “what about you?” after I’ve come up with the question.

  Warning: If you don’t ask me a question, I will repeat the same story about how much I love Jerrell’s BTR BRGR until you order it for me and I leave with it in my bag. This is not a threat, just a fact. Another fact - Jerrell’s is the best burger (and maybe boyfriend) you’ll ever have.

Jerrell’s in the bag. Swag.

• Hot Take from a Millennial who shall not be named: Don’t make me find a seat at the bar while you have your little knapsack on and are standing behind me like my small child. I will immediately get the ick. This isn’t even a hot take!!

Leave a comment with your own hot take.

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Onto the recipe for this week - Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. Did anyone else grow up ordering You Pick 2’s from Panera? Our order: Broccoli Cheddar Soup and the Frontega Chicken Panini, but we all knew the soup was the main character.

This recipe has all the cheesy comfort of broccoli cheddar soup PLUS tiny pasta. It’s made in one-pot which is glorious. You can turn it into more of a soup by adding extra broth and lemon juice, for brightening it up.

topped with toasted breadcrumbs

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Recipe

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, optional

• 2 cups stelline or pastina pasta

• 4 1/2 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth

• 2 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or lite coconut milk (we like 365 brand)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese (we used GOOD PLANeT)

• Red pepper flakes, for serving

• Lemon, for serving

Method:

1. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet on medium high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Next add garlic, grated carrot, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Stir and cook for another minute.

2. Add pasta and broth: Add the dried pasta and toast for 1 minute before adding the vegan chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the broccoli: Add the broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes. At this time the pasta should be cooked.

4. Stir in the milk and cheese: Turn the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk and shredded vegan cheese until it melts.

5. Serve! Remove from heat and serve with red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon.

If you’re looking for yet another cheesy pasta with a spicy twist, may we interest you in our Buffalo Feta Pasta. We’re dying to know if you’d spoon or fork it.

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We’re flying out to LA today for a wedding and a frolic. There’s not a coffee shop that we won’t frequent so see ya next week for the recap. DM us if you have any recs!! Ta ta tony.