One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta dish combining tender pasta, sharp cheddar, and vibrant broccoli florets in a creamy sauce, perfect for a kid-friendly dinner. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, broccoli florets, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz elbow macaroni and 2 cups broccoli florets, and cook for 6-7 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until smooth and melted.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle on top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake?

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 elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake?

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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Pasta Bake?

American pasta 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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