Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 400g penne pasta; 250g broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Extra cheese for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake! It's a comforting dish that combines the creamy richness of a homemade sauce with the freshness of broccoli and the heartiness of pasta. Every bite is a delightful experience that reminds me of cozy family dinners. The best part? It comes together in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing weekend meal. Whether you're cooking for the family or impressing guests, this bake is sure to please everyone’s palate.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:34:23.997Z

When I first made this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake, it quickly became a family favorite. The trick is in the sauce, which I make from scratch using a blend of creamy cheeses and spices that perfectly complement the broccoli. I found that roasting the broccoli a bit before combining it with the pasta adds an amazing depth of flavor that truly elevates the dish.

One of my favorite moments is when I take it out of the oven—the aroma fills the kitchen and instantly brings everyone to the table. I always top it with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath. It's a simple detail, but it makes all the difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy sauce perfectly balances the freshness of broccoli
Comfort food that's easy to prepare and serve
Great for meal prep or a delicious family dinner

      

The Heart of the Dish: Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this bake serves as the heart of the dish, seamlessly bringing together the pasta and broccoli. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan not only adds depth of flavor but also contributes to a delightful gooey texture when baked. Ensure you whisk the milk in gradually to prevent lumps; the sauce should be smooth and glossy before adding the cheeses.

Nutmeg might seem like an unconventional choice for a pasta dish, but it elevates the flavor profile significantly. Just a touch enhances the richness of the cream without overpowering the other ingredients. Conversely, if you're not a fan of nutmeg, you could substitute it with a mix of Italian herbs for a different taste.

Broccoli: Freshness and Nutrition

Broccoli florets not only provide a burst of color but also pack in essential nutrients, making this bake a healthier option among comfort foods. To maintain their vibrant green color and crunchy texture, it's crucial to add them to the boiling pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This quick blanching retains their nutritional benefits while ensuring they’re tender yet still crisp.

If you're looking to mix things up, consider substituting broccoli with other vegetables like steamed cauliflower or spinach; both work wonderfully with the creamy sauce. If you're using leafy greens, add them to the sauce just before mixing everything to prevent them from overcooking.

Perfecting the Bake

For a perfectly baked creamy pasta dish, watch for the golden-brown top that indicates it’s ready. A good rule of thumb is to check at the 25-minute mark and look for bubbling edges and a slight crust on top. If you find it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it continues baking.

If you have leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. Alternatively, individual servings can be microwaved for convenience.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Pasta and Broccoli

400g penne pasta
250g broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

Steps to Prepare Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

Boil the Pasta

In a large pot, boil water and add salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and both types of cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combine and Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, and creamy sauce. Stir until well mixed. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, and sprinkle over the top. Optionally, add extra cheese.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips

For a more nutritious version, you can use whole wheat pasta and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Don’t forget to season generously for maximum flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad. The freshness of the salad contrasts delightfully with the richness of the pasta. Adding a simple vinaigrette can elevate the overall meal without overpowering the flavors of the bake.

For a heartier experience, consider serving this bake alongside some garlic bread or toasted pita. The crunchy bread is excellent for scooping up the creamy pasta, creating a satisfying dining experience that complements the dish well.

Scaling the Recipe

One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its scalability. If you need to feed a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Keep the baking time about the same, but check for doneness to prevent overcooking, as larger portions may take a few minutes longer.

Conversely, if you’re cooking for just one or two, you can easily halve the ingredients and utilize a smaller dish or even individual ramekins for charming single servings. Just adjust the baking time down to about 20 minutes, checking as mentioned for that perfect golden top.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning ahead, this pasta bake can be assembled the day before. Prepare the sauce and mix everything together, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld nicely overnight, making your dinner even more delicious when you bake it the next day. Just remember to add extra time when baking from cold.

Additionally, you can freeze the unbaked dish. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, bake from frozen, increasing the baking time to about 40-45 minutes. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta bake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can use mozzarella, gouda, or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you're looking for a different flavor or dietary preference.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just toss the frozen broccoli into the boiling pasta for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

→ How long does leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.