Description
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting, family-friendly dish made with tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection — the ultimate cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
1 tbsp olive oil (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions.
3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water.
4. Drain and set aside.
5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
7. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
8. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
9. Combine the pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl and mix well.
10. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
11. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
13. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for extra depth of flavor.
Add cooked chicken, bacon, or ham for a heartier version.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using vegetable broth in the sauce.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 410
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: cheesy broccoli pasta bake, broccoli mac and cheese, baked pasta casserole, family dinner recipe, comfort food pasta