Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious? Introducing the Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake – a mouthwatering Italian classic that combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds; it's a quick and easy solution for busy families, taking only 45 minutes from prep to plate. Dive into this cheesy goodness and discover why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 200g broccoli florets
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets a nice golden top.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 300g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the 200g of broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli, making it tender yet still vibrant in color.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 200g of grated cheddar cheese, 100g of cream cheese, and 1 cup of milk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese mixture. Sprinkle in 1 tsp of garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and broccoli mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (optional) for extra flavor and crunch. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cheesy broccoli pasta bake!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This ensures a firm texture that holds up well in the bake.
- Broccoli Brightness: To keep your broccoli vibrant and nutrient-rich, add it to the pasta pot during the last few minutes of cooking. This method blanches the broccoli perfectly!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! While cheddar is a classic choice, adding mozzarella or parmesan can elevate the flavor profile even further.
- Breadcrumb Crunch: For an extra crispy topping, consider mixing your breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top. This will give your pasta bake a delightful crunch.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Assemble the pasta bake, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your cheesy broccoli pasta bake with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
