Broccoli Elegant

I found this recipe in the newspaper recently and made for supper the other night. Huge hit as it had the broccoli my husband loves and the stuffing my kids like.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 5  tablespoons butter or 5  tablespoons margarine, divided
• 1 (6 ounce) package  chicken-flavored  seasoned stuffing mix
• 2 (10 ounce) packages  frozen broccoli spears, thawed and drained
• 2  teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon chicken bouillon granule
• 3⁄4 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1 (3 ounce) package  neufchatel cheese or 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  medium onion, finely chopped
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded cheddar cheese
•  paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
2. Combine water and 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Stir in stuffing mix and let stand 5 minutes.
3. Spoon stuffing around the edge of baking dish, leaving a well in the center. Arrange broccoli spears in well.
4. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add bouillon.
5. Add milk gradually, stirring constantly. Whisk in cream cheese and salt, mixing until smooth. Stir in onion. Pour sauce over broccoli. Sprinkle with cheddar and paprika.
6. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes longer.