Growing up, my mom would make this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake often, and we’d always finish our plates! This dish is a comforting and versatile recipe that beautifully combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. Originating from Italian-American kitchens, this baked pasta is the perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while still enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this recipe provides a hearty, filling option that comes together in about an hour. It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a deliciously comforting dish.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
Versatile: Great as a vegetarian main course or a side dish, and easily adaptable with added proteins or different vegetables.
Family Favorite: A hit with both kids and adults, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well): These shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
4 cups broccoli florets: Adds a healthy dose of veggies and bright green color to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a mild flavor.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, slightly spicy kick to the dish.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the sauce.
2 cups milk: Provides creaminess and body to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and makes the sauce extra luscious.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the basil with a warm, earthy note.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Mixed with the breadcrumbs to create a golden crust.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Pasta Options: Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni work well.
Vegetable Variations: Swap the broccoli for cauliflower, or use a combination of both. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Cheese Alternatives: Use other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian-friendly option, substitute Parmesan with a vegetarian cheese.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Instructions: How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: Make sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent any lumps from forming.
Season and Add Cheese: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
Combine with Pasta and Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the sauce, mixing until everything is well coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake is a filling main course, but here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
Simple Green Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta bake.
Garlic Bread or Baguette: A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
White Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the pasta bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
Creative Variations
Protein Boost: Add cooked and diced chicken breast, crumbled bacon, or sliced sausage to the pasta mixture before baking for a protein-packed meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the breadcrumb topping for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian-friendly alternative, or omit it altogether.
Final Note
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the richness of a creamy sauce, tender pasta, and fresh broccoli in a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite—just like we did growing up! You won’t be disappointed!
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli recommended
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.