The Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

This cheesy broccoli pasta bake is everything you want in a dish – creamy, cheesy and packed with tender pasta and nutritious broccoli. It’s the perfect way to sneak in more veg while still enjoying a cheesy, satisfying bake that everyone will love.

This recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet hearty enough for a weekend dinner. It’s ideal for vegetarians and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste – add mushrooms, spinach, or even shredded chicken if you’d like to boost the protein.

The creamy cheese sauce is made from scratch but comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Once the pasta and broccoli are coated in that rich sauce and topped with bubbling golden cheese, it becomes the ultimate comfort food.

You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer and bake it when needed. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults or both, this dish is a sure win. Let’s make dinner something to look forward to.

Ingredients For Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

• 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
• 1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 cups (500ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1½ cups grated mature cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika or chilli flakes for extra flavour

Directions To Make Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add mustard (if using), garlic, salt, pepper and paprika or chilli flakes if desired.
5. Stir in the grated cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
6. Combine the pasta, broccoli and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl or directly in a greased baking dish. Mix until evenly coated.
7. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle the top with more cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Prepare Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Start by cooking your pasta just until al dente – it will continue cooking in the oven. Add the broccoli towards the end of boiling so it’s tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

To make the cheese sauce, create a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens, then stir in the cheese until smooth and creamy. Season well to balance the richness.

Mix the pasta and broccoli with the sauce in a large bowl or directly in your baking dish. Stir to coat everything evenly. Top with extra cheese for that golden crust and bake until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Servings

Serves 4–6

FAQs

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze cheesy broccoli pasta bake?

Absolutely. Cool completely, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge first.

What other vegetables can I use?

Cauliflower, peas, spinach or mushrooms all work well. Just lightly cook them before adding.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until piping hot.

Conclusion

This cheesy broccoli pasta bake is a brilliant blend of creamy sauce, melted cheese and soft pasta with just the right amount of bite from the broccoli. It’s a dish that offers comfort, convenience and goodness all in one.

Whether you’re feeding fussy kids or hungry adults, this bake is guaranteed to go down a treat. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to whatever you have in the fridge and ideal for batch cooking. You can even sneak in more veg without anyone noticing!

From cosy nights in to meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is a trusty favourite you’ll come back to time and time again. Serve it as a standalone dish or with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.

So grab your casserole dish and let this cheesy, bubbly bake bring a little extra joy to your table.