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: 250g pasta (penne or fusilli); 300g fresh broccoli, chopped; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs

Highlighted under: Sugar Studio

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake for my family. It's a dish that combines the comfort of a bubbling pasta bake with the nutrients of fresh broccoli. The creamy sauce coats every bite, and it’s incredibly satisfying. I usually prepare it on relaxed Sunday afternoons when everyone is at home, and it fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma. It’s so easy to whip up, and you can customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins. It's a perfect family treat that everyone enjoys!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:31:13.423Z

Creating this creamy broccoli pasta bake was an experiment that turned into a family favorite. I wanted to create a dish that incorporated vegetables into a comforting setting, and the creamy sauce really transforms the broccoli’s flavor. After trial and error, I discovered adding a hint of garlic and a splash of lemon juice made all the difference in elevating the taste.

One specific tip I found helpful is to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. This ensures it retains its texture and doesn’t get mushy when baking. Pairing it with a topping of crunchy breadcrumbs balances out the creaminess, making each bite more enjoyable and rewarding.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops each piece of pasta
Nutritious broccoli that adds both color and flavor
Perfect comfort food for chilly Sundays

Key Technique Tips

The secret to achieving a perfectly creamy sauce lies in the cooking of the garlic. Make sure to sauté it in olive oil over medium heat until it's just fragrant—this usually takes about one minute. If you cook it too long, the garlic can turn bitter, affecting the overall flavor of your pasta bake. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on it; as soon as you start to smell that garlicky aroma, it’s time to move to the next step.

Another key element is the timing when you add broccoli to the pasta. By adding it during the last three minutes of pasta cooking, you achieve the perfect balance of tenderness without overcooking. The broccoli should remain vibrant green and retain a slight crunch. It’s ideal for adding texture to the creamy pasta and ensuring the dish isn’t just a gooey blend of flavors.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

In this recipe, heavy cream provides that luscious texture that makes each bite satisfying. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider substituting with half-and-half or a plant-based cream, which may alter the richness but still deliver a delightful creaminess. For those who need a dairy-free option, almond milk or coconut cream can work, though you may want to adjust the seasoning to balance the inherent sweetness.

Cheese plays a crucial role too. While mozzarella gives that stretchiness we adore, Parmesan cheese offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. If you need a substitution, Gruyère or cheddar can also add delightful flavors, though each will change the overall profile slightly. Experimenting with blends can yield interesting results while you find your family's favorite combination!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare this dish ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy weekends. Simply assemble the pasta and sauce as directed, but stop short of baking it. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, simply preheat your oven and bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping or use the microwave for convenience. If you find that the pasta absorbs too much sauce after a day, consider adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating to restore creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful bake:

Ingredients

250g pasta (penne or fusilli)
300g fresh broccoli, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy broccoli pasta bake:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pasta for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding cooked chicken or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy broccoli pasta bake with a simple side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. A light arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon juice can provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, crusty garlic bread makes for an excellent side, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

This dish also works well as a standalone meal, but feel free to customize it. Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein boost, or mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and color. You can even top it with crispy bacon bits before baking for a savory crunch!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pasta bake turns out dry, it often means that the pasta absorbed too much of the sauce while it was baking. To prevent this, make sure your sauce is generously mixed with the pasta before baking and check for adequate moisture before adding breadcrumbs on top. If you find yourself with a dry bake, drizzle some milk or cream over the surface before reheating.

Conversely, if your bake becomes too watery, ensure you're not overloading on cream or that you properly drain your pasta and broccoli. Should this occur, you can thicken the sauce by returning it to the stovetop and simmering it a bit longer until it reduces.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian.