Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
A creamy oven-baked dish combining penne pasta, chopped broccoli, and cheddar cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.
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.
Notes
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate in covered containers. A chilled dish may require additional oven time. Add a splash of milk or pasta water if the filling becomes too thick.