There is nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, cheesy casserole, and the Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe delivers exactly that in every bite. This dish brings together tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all crowned with a perfectly crisp panko topping. It’s a beautifully balanced meal bursting with texture and flavor, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for an easy but memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe, you’ll want to keep it simple with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From fresh broccoli adding a pop of color and crunch, to the smooth cheddar cheese creating that irresistible creamy texture, every element is perfectly chosen to bring out the best in this dish.
- Medium shell pasta: Cooking it just shy of al dente ensures it finishes perfectly baked without getting mushy.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying bite that contrasts the creamy sauce.
- Salted butter: The base for a silky roux that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the perfect thickening agent for the sauce.
- Whole milk: Makes the cheese sauce rich and luscious without being heavy.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder: These seasonings bring out the flavors and add just the right amount of savory depth.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch elevates the sauce, giving it warmth and subtle complexity.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient providing that bold, tangy cheese flavor and creamy texture.
- Seasoned panko bread crumbs: Give the topping a golden, crispy finish that’s utterly irresistible.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Blanch Broccoli
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C)! While it warms, blanch the broccoli by boiling it for just 2 minutes, then immediately plunging it into ice water. This quick blanch locks in the vibrant green color and keeps the broccoli slightly crisp — the perfect texture for the bake.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Next up, melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk it until you get a smooth, bubbling roux—this is going to thicken your sauce beautifully. Slowly add the milk along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and that pinch of nutmeg. Keep whisking for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, velvety consistency that will hug every pasta shell.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and silky. Now, fold in the blanched broccoli and pasta, mixing gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this creamy mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top followed by a generous layer of seasoned panko bread crumbs. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and gets delightfully crunchy.
Step 5: Let Cool and Serve
Once baked, give it a few minutes to cool. This short wait lets the sauce set and makes it easier to serve. Grab your spoon and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy pasta, tender broccoli, and crispy topping that the Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe offers!
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan can also add a sharp, salty note that complements the cheddar beautifully. These simple garnishes will brighten the dish and make it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies can bring additional freshness and variety to the meal. Consider a tangy vinaigrette on mixed greens or some lemon-roasted asparagus — both balance the richness of the cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the baked pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on the panko topping before baking to add an unexpected nutty crunch that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors blend even more, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the bake before you add the panko topping—wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. To restore crispness to the panko topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium shell pasta is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini without any issues. Just be sure to cook the pasta slightly under al dente, as it will cook further in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly, and you’re good to go.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but whole milk gives the richest and creamiest sauce. Using low-fat milk might result in a thinner sauce, so you may want to cook it a little longer to thicken it up or add a bit more cheese for extra creaminess.
How can I make the panko topping extra crispy?
Toss the panko crumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling them over the bake. This helps them brown and crisp up beautifully during baking.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra nutrients and variety. Just sauté harder veggies before mixing to ensure they’re tender once baked.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into the Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic in my kitchen. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, and satisfying, yet packed with wholesome broccoli and a crunchy, golden topping that makes every bite a delight. This dish brings warmth and joy to any table, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own favorite too!
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Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake with Panko Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parm Mini Meatloaf Muffins recipe delivers a comforting and cheesy pasta bake featuring tender broccoli and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Ideal for a family dinner, this dish balances melted cheese with wholesome vegetables, all baked to golden perfection in a convenient 11×7 inch baking dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Pasta
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 2 cups diced fresh broccoli
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven and blanch broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the diced broccoli by cooking it for 2 minutes. Quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Make cheese sauce: In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and cook this roux for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Continue cooking and whisking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine ingredients: Remove the cheese sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. In a large bowl, mix this cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Pour the cheese, pasta, and broccoli mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then sprinkle with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes to develop a golden, crispy topping.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers of cheesy pasta and broccoli with a crunchy topping.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit any added meat or meat products, which are not present in this recipe already.
- Ensure broccoli is well drained to avoid a soggy casserole.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be used for a subtler taste.
