Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love whipping up this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for my family. It’s become a cherished tradition in our home, not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s so comforting. The combination of tender broccoli, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta creates a harmony of flavors that everyone enjoys. Plus, it's a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into a dish that feels like indulgence. I can’t wait for you to experience this delightful bake that’s perfect for any family gathering.

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:37:10.271Z

One Sunday, while looking for a dish to share with friends, I stumbled upon the idea of a creamy pasta bake. I experimented with different cheeses and vegetable combinations until I settled on the perfect mix of broccoli and a homemade cheese sauce. This dish has since become a staple in our weekend gatherings. The creamy texture and vibrant color make it irresistible at the dining table.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the broccoli, blended smoothly with the softness of the pasta. What really sets this bake apart is the blend of cheeses I use. A mixture of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella ensures that every forkful is incredibly flavorful, making this dish a beloved favorite!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy sauce that envelops every pasta piece
A nutritious twist with vibrant broccoli
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers

      

The Importance of Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses for your Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake impacts the flavor and creaminess of the dish. The sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the milder mozzarella. If you're looking for a substitute, Gruyère or fontina are great alternatives that melt well and add richness. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese whenever possible, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can impact the texture of your creamy sauce.

Parmesan cheese not only adds depth to the flavor but also contributes to the golden color of the topping. Aged Parmesan brings a nuttier profile; however, if you’re out of it, nutritional yeast can provide a similar flavor, especially for a vegan version. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as nutritional yeast can be more intense in flavor.

Perfecting Your Pasta

Cooking the pasta to the perfect al dente texture is crucial. This means it should be firm to the bite but fully cooked—generally, follow the package’s instructions, but test it a minute or two earlier. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes, as the addition of broccoli can affect the timing. An ideal texture will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the bake, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce while still maintaining its shape.

After cooking, it’s essential to drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly. Excess water can dilute the richness of the sauce, so consider letting it sit in the colander for a minute. If you like your pasta on the saucier side, reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water and stir it into the cheese sauce to achieve your desired consistency before combining the pasta and sauce.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Finish

When you bake the pasta dish, the goal is to achieve a bubbly, golden-top with a hint of crunch. To achieve this, bake it uncovered for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you notice that the top isn’t browning as desired, you can broil it on high for an additional 1-3 minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning. The bubbling edges will signal that it is ready to come out of the oven.

For those who want to meal prep, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled dish for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake from there, making sure to check for doneness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.

Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Mix well, then transfer to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. This dish is also great for meal prep
just store individual portions in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

This Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake is versatile enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a fresh garden salad can elevate your meal. Consider a balsamic vinaigrette to add a tangy contrast to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make excellent accompaniments for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

If you want to get creative, you can spice up the dish by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or even sundried tomatoes to the mix for an extra flavor boost. Just make sure that any add-ins are cooked beforehand so that they combine well with the pasta bake.

Variations to Try

For a different twist, consider swapping out the broccoli for other seasonal veggies like asparagus or spinach. Each vegetable not only brings its unique flavor but also adds to the nutritional value of your dish. For a Mediterranean flair, you can add artichokes and kalamata olives; just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

If you want to make this dish lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still give you a creamy texture without the full fat content. Additionally, using whole grain or gluten-free pasta can cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven to maintain its crispy topping or use the microwave if you’re short on time. If using the microwave, cover it loosely to retain moisture, and reheat in 30-second increments until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze portions of the baked pasta in individual servings. Wrap tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, following the same guidelines as above.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.

→ What type of cheese can I substitute?

Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend! Gruyère, gouda, or a cheese spread can be delicious alternatives.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.