Cheesy Pasta Bake With Broccoli – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Cheesy Pasta Bake With Broccoli is the weeknight hero you've been looking for. It combines tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish delivers comfort without the fuss, using simple ingredients and a straightforward method.

I've broken down every step to ensure you get a creamy, not gluey, sauce and perfectly cooked broccoli every time. With a 15-minute prep and 35-minute bake, you can have this on the table in under an hour. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some greens.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this bake holds up beautifully. The crispy top gives way to a luscious, cheesy interior that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

About the Ingredients

12 oz (340g) short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)

Use any short pasta that holds sauce well. Gluten-free? Swap with a GF pasta and adjust cooking time.

4 cups (300g) broccoli florets (about 1 large head)

Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen (thawed and drained) is a fine substitute. For extra flavor, roast the florets before adding.

2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter

Use salted butter if you prefer, just reduce added salt. Vegan? Use plant-based butter.

3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour

This thickens the sauce. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend.

2 cups (480ml) whole milk

Whole milk gives the creamiest result. 2% works too, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Adds savory depth. Use veggie broth for a vegetarian version.

2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. Mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Adds nutty richness. Use fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible.

1 tsp Dijon mustard

A secret flavor booster that brightens the cheese sauce. Omit if you don't have it.

1/2 tsp garlic powder

For savory depth. Use 1 clove minced garlic, sautéed in butter, for a fresher kick.

1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)

Adjust to taste. If using salted butter, reduce added salt.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground is best for flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions—it will finish cooking in the oven and stay al dente.
• Don't skip the Dijon mustard; it doesn't taste mustardy but enhances the cheese flavor.
• If your sauce looks thin, don't panic—it will thicken as it bakes. Just make sure it's not too thick before baking; you want it pourable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Cheese and Seasonings

Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

5. Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest and Serve

Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Delicious Variations

Add Protein

Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier meal.

Spice It Up

Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

Crunchy Topping

Mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.

How to Store Cheesy Pasta Bake With Broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cheesy Pasta Bake With Broccoli

Cheesy Pasta Bake With Broccoli: a creamy, golden, one-pan dinner the whole family will love.

★★★★½ 4.8 (215 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings485 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
• 4 cups (300g) broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. 2Cook Pasta and Broccoli — Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
3. 3Make the Cheese Sauce — In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4Add Cheese and Seasonings — Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
5. 5Combine Everything — Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. 6Bake Until Golden — Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. 7Rest and Serve — Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk. The bake will be extra indulgent.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 485 kcal · 24g protein · 55g carbs · 20g fat

Written by Liam Fitzgerald
Liam covers personal finance and investing for beginners, with a focus on behavioral psychology and avoiding common money traps. He writes from the perspective of a self-taught enthusiast.