Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites
Soft, golden pasta bites packed with tender broccoli and melted cheese, ideal for kids and perfect as a snack or light meal. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs pasta shells, broccoli florets, shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 8 oz pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Steam 2 cups broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green; set aside.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until smooth, then slowly add 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- Step 4: Simmer 3 minutes until thickened, then stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce in a bowl. Use a spoon to form 12 small balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes until golden and set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pasta shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Bites?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to kid friendly dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
