Dive into the comforting goodness of this Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe, a perfect harmony of creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden perfection. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this bake promises to deliver cheesy, savory satisfaction that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role: fresh broccoli adds vibrant green color and crunch, sharp cheddar gives that signature cheesy punch, and the creamy sauce ties everything together for luscious texture.
- Medium shell pasta: Cooks just shy of al dente to hold sauce perfectly without turning mushy.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp bite and beautiful green hues.
- Salted butter: The base for a silky, flavorful cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that indulgently creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce smooth and silky, lending balanced richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch for warm, comforting undertones.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, split between sauce and topping for melty, cheesy delight.
- Seasoned panko bread crumbs: Create a satisfyingly crunchy golden crust on top.
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Blanch Broccoli
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, briefly blanch the fresh broccoli in boiling water for exactly 2 minutes — this keeps it bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess in your final bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour to make a smooth roux. Cook it for about 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in whole milk along with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until this sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy.
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Pasta
Remove the sauce from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a velvety mixture. Then fold in the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli, ensuring every piece is coated in that cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the cheesy broccoli pasta blend into an 11 by 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the top, then cover with seasoned panko bread crumbs for that irresistible crunch. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until you see bubbling edges and a golden crust forming.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the bake cool for a few minutes to set up — this helps the layers meld together for the ultimate cheesy bite. Serve straight away and watch how everyone falls for this delicious comfort food sensation.
How to Serve Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper before serving to add a fresh fragrance and a pop of color. For a fun twist, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a few crispy bacon bits can elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or roasted garlic green beans. A light vinaigrette on fresh greens perfectly balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the bake in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Alternatively, top each serving with caramelized onions or toasted nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it equally delicious when reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe freezes well. Pop it into a freezer-safe dish before baking or freeze leftover portions after baking. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn; it will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve that golden crust and creamy texture. For faster reheating, cover with foil to keep the moisture in and avoid drying out the pasta bake.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium shell pasta holds the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until just shy of al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. The Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cheese alternatives, although the flavor and texture will vary somewhat.
How do I get a crispier topping on the bake?
To get an extra crispy crust, mix a little melted butter into the panko bread crumbs before sprinkling them on top. Also, placing the dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking helps achieve a golden, crunchy finish—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I add protein to this pasta bake?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms adds heartiness and boosts flavor complexity without changing the comforting soul of the dish.
What can I use if I don’t have seasoned panko bread crumbs?
You can substitute plain panko mixed with a dash of garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs to mimic the seasoning. Or use regular bread crumbs if that’s what you have on hand, though panko tends to give a lighter, crunchier texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, satisfying dish that hits all the right notes on cheese, veggies, and comfort food vibes, this Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly tasty, and sure to become a favorite crowd-pleaser. Trust me—once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Print
Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Parm Mini Meatloaf Muffins recipe transforms classic comfort flavors into convenient, individual servings. Tender pasta and blanched broccoli are enveloped in a creamy homemade cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a crispy layer of panko and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a family-friendly dinner or crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Pasta
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 2 cups diced fresh broccoli
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven and blanch broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the diced broccoli, and blanch for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well.
- Make cheese sauce: In a medium pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk along with kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue whisking constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine ingredients: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli evenly.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the cheese-pasta-broccoli mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add toppings and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the seasoned panko bread crumbs. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can swap broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach as preferred.
- Use unsalted butter if you want to control salt level and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Use gluten-free flour and panko to make this recipe gluten-free.
