Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (227g) pasta of your choice; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Favorites

I love making this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for a perfect weekend family meal. The combination of tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce makes each bite a delight. This dish is packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy, from the little ones to the adults. My secret is to bake it until the top is golden and bubbly, which adds a wonderful texture. It’s quick to prepare, and the leftovers—if there are any—are just as amazing, too.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:02:36.544Z

When I first tried making a creamy broccoli pasta bake, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together. The trick is to perfectly cook the pasta and broccoli before mixing in the rich sauce; this ensures both flavors meld beautifully without losing their texture. Switching up the cheese added a delightful complexity, making it a go-to dish for any gathering.

I love serving this bake with a simple green salad on the side. The creamy nature of the pasta contrasts so nicely with the crunchy freshness of the salad. Plus, it feels great to offer a nutritious dish that still satisfies cravings for comfort food!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy sauce that envelops every bite of pasta
Nutritious broccoli adds vibrant color and flavor
Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep

      

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this pasta bake, and the choice of cheeses is crucial. Mozzarella contributes a beautiful stretchiness when melted, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste. Make sure to stir the sauce continuously over medium heat until it's completely melted and glossy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This ensures that both cheeses blend seamlessly without clumping together, leading to a smooth texture that's irresistible.

To enhance the flavor further, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. Nutmeg pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes and gives a subtle depth to the flavor profile. If you want to experiment, feel free to swap in different cheese varieties. Cheddar or Gruyère work well for a sharp twist, but keep in mind that these cheeses may alter the color of your sauce.

Vegetable Variations

While broccoli is delightful in this bake, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables based on your family’s preferences or seasonal availability. Cauliflower, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers can add a new dimension and keep the dish interesting. If you choose to use spinach, I recommend adding it fresh at the pasta mixing stage, ensuring it wilts perfectly without becoming waterlogged. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 cups of additional veggies to maintain the balance of pasta and sauce.

To incorporate protein into the dish, consider adding cubed cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms. If you’re making this dish vegetarian, mushrooms can offer a satisfying texture and earthy flavor, mimicking the heartiness of meat.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you end up with leftovers, this pasta bake is remarkably easy to store. Allow it to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. When reheating, use an oven set at 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to retain moisture, warming for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Make sure to prep them in freezer-safe containers, and they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then follow the reheating tips for best results. This way, you can enjoy a comforting homemade meal on busy weeknights without much effort.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake:

Ingredients

8 oz (227g) pasta of your choice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your pasta bake to life:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Steam the Broccoli

In the same pot, add the broccoli florets and steam for about 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combine and Bake

In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Pour into a baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon bits into the mixture before baking. This pasta bake can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking.

Tips for Ideal Pasta

Cooking pasta to the perfect al dente stage is essential for this bake. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once combined with the creamy sauce and baked. You'll want to cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. The pasta should have a slight bite to it; you can check by tasting a piece before draining it. This will ensure that it holds up well when baked and absorbs just the right amount of sauce.

Additionally, consider tossing the drained pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while it waits for the sauce. This small step not only helps with texture but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Baking Fundamentals

Baking your pasta dish is what ties the whole meal together, transforming a simple pasta and sauce into a golden, bubbling casserole. Keep an eye on your bake during the last few minutes—it's easy for the top to go from golden to burnt quickly. Look for that golden brown color and ensure bubbles are forming around the edges as indicators that it’s ready to come out of the oven.

If you desire an extra-crispy top, broil the pasta bake for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Just watch closely to avoid burning. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top before broiling can enhance both flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy broccoli pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal. For a boost of freshness, I recommend a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. You can add nuts or seeds for crunch and flavor that complements the creamy pasta.

For a special touch, serve with garlic bread or a loaf of crusty baguette on the side. This not only fills out the meal but invites everyone to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Whether it’s for a gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the bake.

→ What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works wonderfully, as they capture the sauce and broccoli well.

→ Can I substitute dairy-free ingredients?

Absolutely! You can use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream and plant-based cheese alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or oven.