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Delicious Broccoli Pasta Bake dish with creamy sauce and baked to perfection.

Irresistible Broccoli Pasta Bake

This creamy and comforting broccoli pasta bake is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Cooking spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the broccoli and garlic, and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper and salt.
  8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  9. Transfer the broccoli pasta bake to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the panko breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  11. Remove the broccoli pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, cook the pasta al dente and sauté the broccoli until crisp-tender. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and broccoli. The panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunchy texture to the dish.