Mini Cheese & Veggie Pasta Cups

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Fun, bite-sized pasta cups filled with creamy broccoli and cheese, baked until golden for easy handling and hidden veggie enjoyment. This American-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs fusilli pasta, steamed broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz fusilli pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 cup steamed broccoli (chopped small), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained fusilli and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the broccoli mixture until the pasta is evenly coated and the mixture is warm.
  4. Step 4: Divide the mixture evenly among 12 greased muffin cups (about 3 tablespoons per cup).
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops are golden and the centers are heated through.

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