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Customizable Creamy Pasta Bake

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This pasta bake combines creamy cheese and fresh veggies for a comforting dish that’s easy to customize. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta (gluten-free or regular)
  • 1 bunch broccoli (about 11 ½ pounds), cut into small florets
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free or regular)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup (2.5 ounces) shredded Gruyere or Comté cheese
  • 1 cup (2.5 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular)
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or garlic oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Cook the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
  • Cook the pasta in the same boiling water until just before al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet, add garlic for flavor. Remove garlic and whisk in flour to form a roux, then add milk gradually.
  • Cook the sauce until it thickens, then reduce heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
  • Add cooked pasta and broccoli, mix well, and season to taste.
  • Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil, season, and sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
  • Bake for about 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Last Step:

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Notes

Shredding cheese fresh enhances melting and flavor.
You can leave the chopped garlic in the sauce for more flavor.
Be generous with seasoning for better taste.

  • Author: Marry
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg