One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Pasta Bake
A creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta bake cooked all in one pot, perfect for quick family dinners with kids. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni pasta, fresh 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water and cook together for 3 more minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not browned.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove pot from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6: Return pasta and broccoli to the pot and stir until evenly coated with cheese sauce.
- Step 7: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Cheesy Broccoli and 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and 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 Cheesy Broccoli and 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 Cheesy Broccoli and Pasta Bake?
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.
