Noodles Alfredo

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter (192 C)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (8 C)
• I small onion [1/4 cup], finely chopped (16 C)
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour (57 C)
• 2 cups milk 2% (244 C)
• 1 cup puréed canned tomatoes or tomato sauce (40 C)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (3 C)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (2 C)
• ½ tsp dried basil (2 C)
• ½ tsp dried oregano (2 C)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper (2 C)
• 1 lb. Tortellini (meat or cheese) (933 C)
• 1 bunch (1 1/2 cups) of broccoli, trimmed and cut into chunks (81 C)
• 2 cups grated marble or Canadian Cheddar cheese (940 C)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (196 C)

You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini. If you are using frozen tortellini there is no need to defrost it – simply add it frozen to step #4, cooking time is unchanged.

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add garlic and onion. Cook gently 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
2. Sprinkle with flour. Cook 3 to 4 minutes longer but do not brown.
3. Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
4. Meanwhile, cook tortellini in a large pot of boiling, salted water for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and continue to cook for 5 minutes longer. Drain well.
5. Combine drained tortellini mixture with sauce. Add marble or cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 3 Qt (3L) baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
6. Bake in a preheated 350 F (180°C) oven for 30 minutes or until hot and lightly browned.

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. 4-6 servings.