Creamy Broccoli and Shell Pasta Bake: A Cheesy Delight
A comforting and indulgent dish, Creamy Broccoli and Shell Pasta Bake combines the richness of melted cheese with the wholesome goodness of broccoli.
This delightful bake is perfect for family dinners or as a hearty side to accompany any main course.
The combination of tender pasta shells, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce creates a balanced, savory experience that will surely please even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving for cheesy pasta or need a dish that will provide a nutritious twist, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
12 oz shell pasta
4 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender but still have a slight crunch.
Drain and set the broccoli aside as well. It’s important not to overcook the broccoli, as you want it to maintain its texture in the bake.
Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, creating a roux. Slowly pour in the cream (or milk and cream mixture), whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add half of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
Start by boiling the pasta shells and cooking the broccoli. These two components are the base of the dish and should be prepped first.
When cooking the pasta, remember that it will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overdo it—al dente is ideal.
The sauce comes next, and the key is to make it smooth and creamy. The roux you create with butter and flour serves as the foundation for the sauce’s richness.
Don’t rush this process; slow and steady ensures that the sauce thickens to the right consistency.
Add the cheeses gradually, making sure they melt completely to create that irresistible cheesy sauce.
Once the pasta and broccoli are combined with the cheese sauce, transfer everything into a baking dish and bake until golden.
The heat from the oven ensures that everything melds together beautifully, resulting in a comforting, cheesy delight.
The breadcrumbs on top will give the bake an extra crunch, adding texture to the creamy interior.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and for the sauce to thicken further.
This rest period also makes serving easier, preventing the bake from being too runny when you cut into it. It will be perfectly set and ready to serve.
Tips
For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or use milk alone.
If you’re looking for even more flavor, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the mix. This can transform the dish into a hearty main course.
If you’re short on time, you can use frozen broccoli, though fresh will always offer the best texture and flavor.
You can also prepare the dish in advance—just assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, simply pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
For an extra cheesy top, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs before sprinkling it on top.
This will add an extra layer of flavor and give your bake an irresistible, golden crust.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even fontina would work well in this dish, adding their unique flavor profiles.
Adding a bit of Dijon mustard to the sauce is also a great way to introduce a subtle tang and elevate the overall flavor.
For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add some fresh diced chilies to the sauce.
It will give the dish a lovely warmth that contrasts with the creaminess.
If you prefer a veggie-packed bake, try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach. These will blend seamlessly into the sauce and add more color and nutrients to the dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli and Shell Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and nutritious vegetables.
The creamy sauce, combined with tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli, makes every bite a comforting treat. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or as a standalone meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.
The best part is how versatile it is—adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, add extra proteins or vegetables, and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you’ll have a dish that the whole family can enjoy.
Perfect for any occasion, this bake brings warmth to your table with its creamy goodness and cheesy texture.
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a gathering, it’s a dish that’s bound to impress and satisfy every guest.
The combination of cheese, pasta, and broccoli makes for a well-rounded, comforting meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
It’s the kind of dish that you’ll return to time and again, making memories around the dinner table with loved ones.