Mostaccioli Broccoli Bake

Indulge in the cheesy, comforting goodness of this Mostaccioli Broccoli Bake, a perfect dish for a hearty weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. This baked pasta recipe combines tender mostaccioli and crisp broccoli florets with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made from milk, heavy cream, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and an extra sprinkle of bubbly cheese, each bite is satisfyingly creamy with a delightful crunch. Infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep time before baking to perfection. Whether you're looking for a simple casserole recipe or a new way to enjoy pasta and broccoli, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces mostaccioli pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Evenly spread the bread crumbs on top of the cheese layer.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1566.3 grams (1566.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2577

Total Fat 143.60g	184%
Saturated Fat 76.90g	385%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 386mg	129%
Sodium 4910mg	213%
Total Carbohydrate 202.90g	74%
Dietary Fiber 16.60g	59%
Total Sugars 35.30g
Protein 114.00g	228%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2578mg	198%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 1162mg	25%

*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: 50.5%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 31.7%