No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines convenience with a deliciously cheesy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this casserole-style dish takes just minutes to prepare and eliminates the hassle of pre-cooking pasta. With vibrant broccoli and melty cheddar cheese, this recipe ensures a tasty meal that everyone will love. Ready to dig into the recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 7.5 oz whipped chive or garlic & herb cream cheese
- 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
- 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp), divided
- 1-2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and pepper, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
- In a 13×9-inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese right in the center—it’ll melt and blend beautifully as everything cooks.
- Scatter the uncooked dry pasta evenly around the cream cheese.
- Add your chopped broccoli florets over the pasta for plenty of vibrant color and healthy crunch.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. This adds a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Season the whole dish with 1–2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, or just use salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle olive oil evenly across the top.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, making sure the pasta is just submerged so it cooks evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil, give the pasta a good stir, and re-cover with foil. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes so the pasta softens and soaks up that savory flavor.
- Uncover the dish, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese, and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the cheese fully melts into the sauce and everything looks rich and creamy.
- Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives it time to thicken and makes serving a breeze.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Nutrition Info (per serving): Approximately 360 calories; 15g fat; 40g carbs; 14g protein.
How to Serve No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake
Serve your No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake hot from the oven, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to create a complete meal. For the best experience, enjoy it while it’s warm and bubbly, allowing the cheesy goodness to shine!
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for added protein.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for more nutrition and color.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack to switch up the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just ensure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even water with added seasonings in a pinch.