Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s family-friendly, creamy, versatile, easy to customize, perfect for leftovers, and ideal for weeknight dinners. The combination of pasta and broccoli creates a balanced meal with satisfying texture and flavor.
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Broccoli Pasta Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy, Comfort-Filled Bake for the Whole Family
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy baked pasta casserole loaded with tender broccoli and comforting flavors—easy to make and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with pasta and broccoli. Transfer to baking dish.
- If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Forms the hearty base of the casserole, holding the creamy sauce beautifully.
Broccoli florets
Add freshness, color, and nutrition while staying crisp-tender in the bake.
Butter
Forms the foundation of the roux and adds richness.
Garlic
Enhances the sauce with warm, savory aroma.
All-purpose flour
Thickens the sauce, helping it cling to the pasta and vegetables.
Milk or half-and-half
Creates the velvety béchamel-style sauce.
Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Melts into the sauce and forms a gooey, golden topping.
Parmesan cheese
Adds nutty sharpness and deepens the casserole’s overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning both the sauce and the final dish.
Italian seasoning or thyme (optional)
Adds herbal notes that complement the creaminess.
Directions
Prepare by preheating your oven and greasing a baking dish. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente—this prevents overcooking during the bake. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to soften them slightly. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously, cooking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in half of the cheddar or mozzarella along with Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
Combine the pasta and broccoli with the sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until the casserole is bubbling, golden, and aromatic. Let it rest briefly before serving to help the sauce settle.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the casserole’s texture. It can be frozen, though the sauce may thicken slightly after thawing—reheat gently and stir in a splash of milk if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
Bacon and Broccoli Casserole
Fold in crispy bacon pieces for smoky flavor.
Spinach and Broccoli Blend
Add fresh spinach for extra greens and color.
Creamy Alfredo Version
Use a white sauce seasoned with Parmesan and garlic for a richer casserole.
Three-Cheese Delight
Blend cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyère for deeper, more complex flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with gluten-free blend.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for additional color and texture.
Pesto Twist
Stir a spoonful of basil pesto into the sauce for brightness.
Spicy Cheddar Bake
Add crushed red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese.
Crunchy Topping
Finish with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with butter and Parmesan.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the broccoli beforehand?
A brief blanch with the pasta is perfect; it keeps it crisp-tender.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—thaw and drain well before adding.
What pasta works best?
Medium shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble the casserole and refrigerate; bake when ready.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Be sure to whisk the roux and add milk gradually to avoid lumps.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, unsweetened versions work best.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking.
Can kids enjoy this?
Absolutely—it’s mild, creamy, and delicious.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, though the texture may change slightly; thaw overnight before baking.
Can I add meat?
Turkey, chicken, sausage, or ham all work well.
Conclusion
Broccoli Pasta Casserole brings together tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce in a dish that embodies comfort and convenience. With simple ingredients and limitless customization options, it’s perfect for busy families, potlucks, or meal prepping. Creamy, golden, and satisfying, this casserole earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
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