Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love preparing this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for my family on weekends. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. The creamy sauce, combined with tender broccoli and pasta, creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing. I appreciate how simple it is to put together, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, making it the ideal choice for meal prep!
When I first tried making a cream-based pasta bake, I was pleasantly surprised by how the flavors meld together beautifully. The creamy sauce with garlic and cheese coats the pasta and broccoli perfectly, infusing every bite with richness. One key tip I learned is to slightly undercook the pasta before baking, so it absorbs the flavors while becoming tender in the oven.
I often experiment with different cheeses and herbs to customize the dish. On particularly busy days, I’ve tossed in leftover proteins like chicken or shrimp, which adds even more depth to the bake. It’s become a versatile dish in our household!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy goodness that warms the soul
- Packed with nutritious broccoli for a healthy twist
- Easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings
The Importance of Each Ingredient
The star of this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake is undoubtedly the broccoli. Not only does it add vibrant color and a slight crunch to the dish, but it also brings essential nutrients like vitamins C and K, which are great for immunity. I prefer using fresh broccoli florets for this recipe, as they retain their texture better than frozen ones during baking. If you need a quick option, frozen broccoli can work too; just ensure it's thawed and drained well to avoid excess water in the dish.
When it comes to the creaminess of the sauce, the heavy cream plays a critical role. It gives the dish its luscious texture without being overwhelming. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but take note that this might slightly alter the rich flavor profile. For a tangy kick, consider adding a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the sauce.
Perfecting the Baking Process
Achieving that golden, bubbly top is the hallmark of a well-cooked pasta bake. When you pop the dish into your preheated oven at 180°C (350°F), you want to keep an eye on it after about 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to start bubbling and the edges of the dish to turn golden brown, as this indicates that the flavors are melding beautifully together. If the top isn’t browning to your liking, consider broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
For best results, allow the pasta bake to rest for about 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This cooling period helps the dish set, making it easier to serve without it falling apart. The creamy sauce will firm up slightly, providing a satisfying texture that holds up on the plate. If you plan to serve this dish at a gathering, preparing it ahead of time and reheating is an excellent option, as the flavors only get better overnight in the fridge.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious bake:
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (your choice)
- 200g broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Make sure to have everything prepared before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your creamy pasta bake:
Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions, but for 2 minutes less than recommended. Add the broccoli florets to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Combine and Bake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired, then bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms into the mix. You can also substitute fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta bake is versatile enough to be paired with various sides. A fresh mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette complements the richness of the bake and adds a refreshing contrast. Additionally, garlic bread or crusty rolls serve well to soak up any remaining creamy sauce, enhancing the comfort-food experience. I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, on top just before serving for an aromatic touch.
For an even heartier meal, consider adding proteins such as cooked chicken, bacon, or even chickpeas to the mix before baking. These additions not only enhance the flavor and texture but also boost the nutritional content of the dish, making it a complete meal in one. If you're catering to a vegetarian or plant-based diet, substitute traditional cheese with vegan alternatives that melt well.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this creamy pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, but the oven method will help retain better texture and flavor.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, assemble it in the baking dish without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready, just bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's starting from a cold state. This makes it an ideal meal prep option or a fantastic choice for entertaining guests!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.
→ What type of pasta is best for this bake?
Medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal, as they hold the sauce well.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?
Substituting heavy cream with a lighter option, like half-and-half or a plant-based cream, can help reduce calories while still maintaining creaminess.
Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
I love preparing this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for my family on weekends. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. The creamy sauce, combined with tender broccoli and pasta, creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing. I appreciate how simple it is to put together, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, making it the ideal choice for meal prep!
Created by: Katherine Blake
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (your choice)
- 200g broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How-To Steps
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions, but for 2 minutes less than recommended. Add the broccoli florets to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired, then bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms into the mix. You can also substitute fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 14g