Description
This cheesy, comforting Broccoli Pasta Bake is packed with tender broccoli, pasta, and a creamy sauce, making it the perfect family-friendly meal. Ready in no time, it’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep! #healthyrecipes #easybakedpasta #broccolipastabake #comfortfood #quickdinnerideas
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the pasta bake:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the steamed broccoli and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or kale for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg