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 (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love whipping up a cozy dish on Sundays, and this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake has become my go-to favorite. It combines the satisfying bite of pasta with the nutritious crunch of broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect dish for a laid-back family dinner. I can’t get enough of how the rich flavors mingle together, creating a comforting meal that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:37:14.218Z

When I first made this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake, I was amazed at how effortlessly the flavors melded together. The creamy sauce is enriched with cheese and a hint of garlic, which complements the tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta. I also experimented with different cheeses, and I've found that mixing varieties really elevates the dish.

One of my favorite tips is to roast the broccoli slightly before adding it to the bake. This step enhances its flavor by bringing out a delicious nuttiness that transforms the whole dish. It’s a simple change, but one that takes this bake from good to absolutely delightful!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cheese sauce that comforts and satisfies
Nutty roasted broccoli for a delicious flavor contrast
Great for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Creamy Sauce

The heart of this pasta bake lies in its creamy sauce, which serves to bind together the pasta and broccoli while adding richness. The combination of heavy cream and mozzarella creates a luscious texture, while the Parmesan introduces a sharpness that balances the overall flavor. To enhance the sauce, make sure to season it adequately with salt and pepper as you mix, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness.

If you're looking to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor, consider substituting a portion of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. This will still give you a creamy consistency while adding protein. Remember to mix it in slowly to avoid clumping, ensuring that the sauce remains silky. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, you can try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast for that cheesy undertone.

Sautéing the Broccoli

Sautéing the broccoli before mixing it into the pasta bake does more than just soften it; it also caramelizes the edges, enhancing the nutty flavor. Be sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. The key is to sauté the broccoli until it’s just vibrant and tender, about 5 minutes, before adding the garlic for the last minute. This method gives the dish a depth of flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.

If you prefer a bit of crunch in your bake, consider blanching the broccoli instead of sautéing it. Simply add the florets to boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This method preserves the bright green color and adds a slight textural contrast against the soft pasta and cream sauce.

Tips for Perfect Baking

When baking the Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake, ensure that your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C). This helps in achieving that highly sought-after golden brown top. If the cheese isn't bubbling by the 25-minute mark, you can cover it with foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. For an even crispier topping, you might broil it for the last 2–3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Letting the pasta bake sit for about 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven allows the sauce to thicken slightly as it cools. This rest period helps with serving, making it easier to cut into portions without it falling apart. I love serving this dish with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious bake:

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped for the easiest cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy pasta bake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Broccoli

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the broccoli. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly tender and then stir in minced garlic for the last minute.

Mix the Cream Sauce

In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli, and the cream sauce. Stir until well combined.

Bake

Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking. You can also substitute the broccoli with different vegetables like spinach or zucchini for variety.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is quite common considering how delicious this dish is), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. For microwave heating, cover loosely to avoid splatters and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing the assembled, uncooked dish. Just be aware that the texture of the broccoli might change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes when cooking from frozen, and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Serving Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. For additional protein, consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas to the mix. You could also toss in other vegetables like spinach or peas for more color and nutrition. If you're in the mood for a little heat, red pepper flakes added to the sauce can give it a nice kick.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheese blends, too! Try incorporating gouda or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just be cautious not to overpower the dish; the mozzarella should remain the primary cheese for that creamy consistency. Each variation can give this classic dish a new twist, keeping it exciting for family dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready!

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use a mixture of milk and flour as a lighter option, but it will alter the creaminess of the dish.

→ Can I add protein to the bake?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, sausage, or even beans can be added for extra protein.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.