Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake combines penne pasta, chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese sauce in a creamy oven-baked dish with a warm, generous filling. It is a practical way to bring the main components of dinner together in one baking dish.
The key is to prepare the components before assembly, then bake just long enough to heat the center and finish the topping. The amounts below make approximately 6 servings. Oven times are a guide: the depth of the dish and whether the filling starts warm or chilled affect the final cooking time.
Recipe overview
- Servings: approximately 6
- Preparation: about 20–25 minutes, plus any separate cooking or thawing
- Oven temperature: 375°F
- Equipment: 9-by-13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, pasta pot and skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- Penne pasta — 12 oz dry
- Chopped broccoli — 3 cups
- Cheddar cheese sauce — 2 cups
- Heavy cream — 1 1/2 cups
- Garlic powder — 1 teaspoon
- Butter — 3 tablespoons
- Breadcrumbs — 3/4 cup, crushed as needed
- Salt, to taste after adding sauces and cheese
Preparation notes
Cook the pasta in boiling water until 1–2 minutes short of the package’s full cooking time, then drain. It will finish in the oven. Keep a little pasta water to loosen the filling if it looks dry.
Directions
Use drained, just-under-al-dente pasta in the assembly steps below.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and steam the broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cheddar cheese sauce until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for a nice crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for a better bake
- Warm dairy gently and stir until smooth. Hard boiling can separate a creamy sauce. Add a splash of milk or pasta water if it becomes too thick to coat the filling.
- Keep the pasta slightly firm before baking and reserve some cheese for the topping. The sauce should coat the pasta generously, since noodles absorb more moisture in the oven.
What to serve with it
Pair the bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Serve from both the edge and the center so every portion includes some of the topping and the saucy filling.
Make-ahead and leftovers
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. Assemble when ready to bake. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats. Creamy fillings thicken as they cool, so loosen an individual portion with a small splash of milk or water before warming. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the cheese?
Choose another cheese with a similar melting texture, keeping the total amount about the same. Use hard grating cheese for flavor rather than replacing all of the softer melting cheese.
How can I prevent a dry filling?
Do not overcook the components before assembly. Slightly undercooked pasta and a generous coating of sauce are especially helpful. Stop baking once the filling is hot and the topping is ready, then allow a short rest before serving.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz Penne pasta Dry pasta
- 3 cups Chopped broccoli Steam until tender
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream Warm gently before mixing
Cheese and Seasoning
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese sauce Whisk until smooth with cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3/4 cup Breadcrumbs Crushed as needed for topping
- Salt To taste after adding sauces and cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until 1-2 minutes short of the full cooking time.
- Steam the broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cheddar cheese sauce until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for a nice crunch.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
