Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Tender pasta and broccoli florets baked in a cheesy sauce create a comforting, kid-friendly dinner that’s perfect for little helpers in the kitchen. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs penne 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 400 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 penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and 3 cups fresh broccoli florets. Cook for 7-8 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until smooth.
- Step 5: Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole 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 Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole?
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 Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole?
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 Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole 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 Oven-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole?
Italian 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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