Broccoli and Pasta Bake

Indulge in a comforting, cheesy delight with this Broccoli and Pasta Bake recipe—a family-friendly meal that combines tender pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce, all topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make casserole features a velvety béchamel sauce infused with cheddar and parmesan cheese, perfectly enveloping every bite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and simple pantry staples like pasta, butter, and garlic powder, this dish is both quick and budget-friendly. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this baked pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a wholesome and irresistible meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this bake brings both heartiness and veggie-packed goodness to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 300 grams broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk
• 150 grams shredded cheddar cheese
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 50 grams breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the same pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dish for a crispy topping.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli and Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1402.9 grams (1402.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2246

Total Fat 127.90g	164%
Saturated Fat 70.90g	355%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 356mg	119%
Sodium 5491mg	239%
Total Carbohydrate 180.00g	65%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 35.30g
Protein 110.00g	220%

Vitamin D 234IU	1168%
Calcium 2469mg	190%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 976mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 31.2%