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: 300g pasta of your choice; 250g broccoli florets; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I love whipping up this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for my family, especially when I want something comforting yet nutritious. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender broccoli and pasta makes for a delightful meal that everyone alway enjoys. It’s quick to prepare, and the leftovers are even better the next day. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy Sunday afternoon or serving it for a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:27:35.892Z

One Sunday afternoon, I decided to experiment with a pasta bake that would not only be creamy but also packed with nutritious veggies. After a couple of test runs, I found that adding a hint of garlic and nutmeg really elevated the flavors. The combination of a rich cheese sauce with bright and tender broccoli makes this dish satisfying and vibrant.

I recommend using freshly grated cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, and if you want to add a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking adds a delightful texture. It’s a hit with both kids and adults!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy and cheesy sauce that coats every bite
Tender pasta and broccoli make this a hearty dish
Perfect for meal prep and satisfying leftovers

Choosing the Right Pasta

When preparing the Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake, selecting the right type of pasta is crucial as it affects both texture and sauce adherence. Any pasta shape works well—consider using penne or fusilli for their ridges, which help trap the creamy sauce. Ensure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking during baking. This will prevent mushiness, allowing for that ideal tender yet slightly firm bite.

If you're aiming for a healthier option, you might choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat pasta will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, while gluten-free varieties made from brown rice or chickpeas can still deliver satisfying texture. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary, ensuring the pasta maintains a balanced consistency in the final bake.

Mastering the Cheese Sauce

The creamy cheese sauce is the heart of this dish, delivering rich flavors that elevate the pasta and broccoli. I recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged versions—you'll achieve a creamier texture that melts beautifully. Cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella contributes a milky pull. For a twist, consider adding some grated Parmesan for a savory umami kick. Be sure to stir continuously over medium heat to avoid scorching the bottom.

If you want to reduce calories or make it lighter, feel free to substitute half of the heavy cream with a mixture of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. This provides creaminess without overwhelming richness, while still enhancing the overall flavor. Just remember to heat gently to prevent curdling when using yogurt.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking this dish to perfection is all about achieving that golden crust on top. If you opt to use breadcrumbs, mix them with a little melted butter and grated cheese to create a more flavorful topping that becomes crispy in the oven. Bake until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling; you can usually tell it's ready when you see lovely golden edges around the baking dish.

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. This bake can be made ahead of time; simply assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add about 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious bake:

Ingredients

300g pasta of your choice
250g broccoli florets
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect creamy pasta bake:

Cook the Pasta

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

Blanch the Broccoli

In the same pot, add the broccoli florets and blanche them for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside with the pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until warm. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

Bake

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pasta bake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mix before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to customize the recipe further, feel free to change up the vegetables. Spinach, cauliflower, or even chopped bell peppers would make delightful additions or substitutions to the broccoli. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly—spinach will wilt quickly while cauliflower may need a bit longer to blanch compared to broccoli.

For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with a cashew cream or coconut milk for richness. Use plant-based cheeses that melt well to replace the cheddar and mozzarella. Nutritional yeast can add that cheesy flavor while avoiding dairy altogether. But keep in mind that cook times may vary with these alternatives, so pay attention while baking to achieve the desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating

This Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in for a treat—the flavors deepen and improve after a night in the fridge, making it even more delicious the next day.

When you're ready to reheat, you can do so in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes to heat through. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just add a splash of milk to the dish to prevent it from drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel while reheating, or use a microwave-safe lid, ensuring the final dish stays creamy and comforting.

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake can be as versatile as the recipe itself. Complement it with a fresh side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake. You could also serve it alongside crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce left on your plate.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to the mix before baking. This not only enhances the protein content but also takes the dish to a whole new level of heartiness. Your family will appreciate the added nutrition and heartiness, making this dish even more satisfying all around.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works great for this recipe and adds extra fiber.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly but you can enhance it with more vegetables or a plant-based cheese.