Broccoli Pasta Bake

Creamy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, this Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings family-friendly flavor to your dinner table. Featuring tender penne pasta and vibrant broccoli florets, this dish is coated in a velvety cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, seasoned with garlic and onion powder for a flavor-packed punch. Topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this pasta casserole is a satisfying blend of creamy textures and crisp toppings. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Packed with wholesome ingredients and brimming with cheesy goodness, this Broccoli Pasta Bake is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 500 grams broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or spray with cooking spray, then set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of the pasta cook time.

Step 3

Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set them aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1961.2 grams (1961.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3483

Total Fat 170.20g	218%
Saturated Fat 96.00g	480%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 470mg	157%
Sodium 5769mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 355.60g	129%
Dietary Fiber 26.40g	94%
Total Sugars 45.50g
Protein 163.40g	327%

Vitamin D 370IU	1851%
Calcium 3252mg	250%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 2089mg	44%

*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: 42.5%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 39.4%