Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
563 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Description
This recipe begins by boiling fusilli pasta until it is just shy of fully cooked to avoid mushiness after baking. Broccoli pieces are added to the pasta pot shortly before draining, keeping them firm rather than soft. After draining, the pasta and broccoli are combined with a prepared cheese sauce made in six servings. This smooth, creamy sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
The mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with golden breadcrumbs, and optionally extra cheese, before baking at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes or until the topping crisps and browns. The contrast between the tender interior and crispy topping is a key feature.
You may finish under a grill briefly to add extra crispiness. Variations include roasting broccoli before mixing for additional texture or adding chili flakes for a hint of spice. Avoiding pre-grated cheese maintains a creamier sauce texture.
Ingredients
- 280 g fusilli pasta
- 6 ervings cheese sauce
- 1 head broccoli chopped in to small pieces
- 40 g breadcrumbs golden
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Put 280 g Fusilli pasta into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 10-12 minutes until it still has a little bit of bite to it.
- Make 6 servings Cheese sauce.
- Add 1 head Broccoli to the pasta about 3 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking. You don't want to overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy once baked.
- Drain the pasta and then add the cheese sauce and mix well. Put the mixture into a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle with 40 g Golden breadcrumbs and extra cheese (optional) and then put into the oven for 15 minutes until the top starts to crisp up.
Notes
- Do not fully cook pasta before baking to prevent mushiness; it finishes cooking in the oven.
- For a smooth cheese sauce, sieve flour before cooking and whisk continuously.
- Add red chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick if desired.
- Alternatively, heat the combined pasta and sauce on the hob and finish under the grill for a crispy topping.
- Using different pasta shapes is fine depending on what you have.
- Avoid pre-grated cheese as anti-caking agents can affect sauce texture and melt quality.
- Roasting broccoli before baking adds extra crispiness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 563 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 563kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 74g | 25% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 409mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 854mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 1663IU | 33% |
| Vitamin C | 136mg | 151% |
| Calcium | 395mg | 40% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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