How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
American · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This creamy pasta bake combines tender penne with broccoli florets smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that gets kids eating their vegetables without complaints.
Why this recipe works
This Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g penne pasta
- 300 g broccoli florets
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 500 ml whole milk
- 30 g butter
- 30 g all purpose flour
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne for 8 minutes. Add broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking, then drain both together.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk whisking constantly until thickened, then stir in half the cheddar until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Transfer
Mix the drained pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish and top with remaining cheddar.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in a preheated 190 degrees C oven for 20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- penne pasta → fusilli or rigatoni
- cheddar cheese → mozzarella and parmesan blend
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not salting the pasta water which makes the whole dish taste bland
- Skipping the resting time after baking which causes the sauce to run everywhere when served
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 18g protein, 52g carbs, 16g fat, 4g fiber.
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