Baked Cheddar Broccoli Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta bake with tender broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Steam 2 cups broccoli florets for 5 minutes until tender-crisp, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce thickens (about 3 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon).
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained penne and steamed broccoli to the saucepan, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheddar Broccoli Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Cheddar Broccoli Pasta?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar Broccoli Pasta?

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 Cheddar Broccoli Pasta 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 Cheddar Broccoli Pasta?

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.

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