Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta bake with tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped toasted almonds with the breadcrumbs. You can substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a blend of cheeses for a different flavor. This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch.